IPHREHAB : MOTOR LEARNING FROM PAST TO PRESENT

IPHREHAB

 MOTOR LEARNING FROM PAST TO PRESENT

• Aim is to replaces Motor Control (NDT, etc.) as a more evidence-based approach to all forms of movement disorders across the lifespan (CP, TBI, CVA, etc.)
• Backdrop for Task Oriented approach defined by Horak (1991), Shumway-Cook & Woolacott (2001) and Mathiowetz, Bass Haugen & Flinn (in Trombly & Radomsky, 2002). 

Basic Assumptions

Motor Control – It is the ability to regulate and/or direct the mechanisms essential to movement (Shumway-Cook & Woolacott, 2001). AKA “neuromaturational” or “hierarchical” or “bottom up” theories of re-acquisition of voluntary movement.

Motor learning – Set of processes associated with practice or experience leading to relatively permanent changes in the capacity for producing skilled action (Shumway-Cook & Woollacott, 2001). Combines neuroscience with  systems & learning theory.

Assumptions, cont.

• Based in principle of neural plasticity – the ability of the nervous system to modify neural connections to perform more efficiently.
• Short term (working memory) – needed for learning new movements 
• Long term (save/retrieve) – needed for lasting change
• Motor learning occurs naturally during task performance (supports a task focused approach)

Systems Theory

1. Systems approach includes a consideration of :

• Client factors: health condition, dysfunction or damage, age, gender, etc.
• Occupations: meaningful or preferred tasks
• Environment: all relevant contexts.

1. Systems include sensorimotor, psychosocial, cognitive, and performance contexts (physical, socioeconomic & cultural characteristics of the task itself and the broader environment) (Mathiowetz & Bass Haugen, 1994).
2. Consistent with occupation-based models