Leech KA, Roemmich RT, Gordon J, Reisman DS, Cherry-Allen KM. Updates in Motor Learning: Implications for Physical Therapist Practice and Education.
Phys Ther 2021;
102:6409654. [PMID:
34718787 PMCID:
PMC8793168 DOI:
10.1093/ptj/pzab250]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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.
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