Introduction to Motor Learning

An exercise is a movement or muscle activation. Literally, every time a skeletal muscle is volitionally activated, it is exercising.

The distinction between exercise instruction and motor learning for functional recovery is that individuals demonstrate they have learned movement when they can select a movement/activity and apply it in task-specific situations.

Motor learning requires practice, feedback, and knowledge of results.

Motor learning leads to skill, as your patient/client progresses from simple to complex tasks within controlled and open environments. Motor learning is influenced by the patient/client age, motivation, learning style, and cognition.

 Learning Objectives

Students at the end of this lesson will be able to:

1. Define stages of motor learning that guide intervention planning and assessment
2. Describe a skill according to motor task taxonomy
3. Distinguish between types and characteristics of effective practice and feedback
4. Apply a motor task analysis framework to a simulated patient situation
5. Consider communication strategies that may enhance motivation, participation, and motor performance, and motor skill

 

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