Performers' use of open and closed-loop control is best described by which statement?

• A. Performers rely exclusively on open-loop control.
• B. Performers rely exclusively on closed-loop control.
• C. Performers continually move between open and closed loop depending on task demands.
• D. Performers ignore feedback.

Answer: (C)

Movement is guided by both a preplanned command and ongoing feedback. Open-loop control runs the movement from the plan without using feedback during the action. Closed-loop control uses sensory information to monitor and adjust the movement as it happens. In real performance, people don’t rely on just one system. Depending on how fast the task is and how precise it needs to be, performers switch between or blend these modes. Fast, ballistic actions rely more on the initial plan (open-loop), while tasks requiring accuracy or occurring in changing conditions use feedback to fine-tune the action (closed-loop). A lot of skills involve both: the action starts with a plan, and corrections are made as needed. So performers continually move between open and closed loop depending on task demands.