Updates in Motor Learning: Implications for Physical Therapist Practice and Education

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  • Kristan A Leech
    Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Ryan T Roemmich
    Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland, USA
  • James Gordon
    Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Darcy S Reisman
    Physical Therapy Department, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware, USA
  • Kendra M Cherry-Allen
    Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Description

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Over the past 3 decades, the volume of human motor learning research has grown enormously. As such, the understanding of motor learning (ie, sustained change in motor behavior) has evolved. It has been learned that there are multiple mechanisms through which motor learning occurs, each with distinctive features. These mechanisms include use-dependent, instructive, reinforcement, and sensorimotor adaptation-based motor learning. It is now understood that these different motor learning mechanisms contribute in parallel or in isolation to drive desired changes in movement, and each mechanism is thought to be governed by distinct neural substrates. This expanded understanding of motor learning mechanisms has important implications for physical therapy. It has the potential to facilitate the development of new, more precise treatment approaches that physical therapists can leverage to improve human movement. This Perspective describes scientific advancements related to human motor learning mechanisms and discusses the practical implications of this work for physical therapist practice and education.</jats:p>

Journal

  • Physical Therapy

    Physical Therapy 102 (1), 2021-10-25

    Oxford University Press (OUP)

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