Implementation of Motor Learning Principles to Improve Function in People With Musculoskeletal Pain Problems
Wednesday, February 14, 2024: 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Preconference Course 1 Day
Session Description:
There is a growing understanding of the importance of implementing motor learning principles in orthopaedic physical therapist practice. Motor skill training in functional activities applies motor learning principles to improve performance of pain-limited functional activities. Recent data suggest that motor skill training in functional activities results in large short- and long-term improvements in function, pain, and movement in people with chronic low back pain (LBP). This course will describe why and how to implement motor skill training in people with musculoskeletal pain conditions using chronic LBP as an example. The speakers will review the evidence and provide rationale for motor skill training in functional activities for people with chronic LBP. Attendees will learn key motor learning principles that guide skill training. Using case examples, the speakers will illustrate how to design, implement and progress a training program. Attendees will then implement motor skill training during functional activities in a hands-on laboratory experience. Specifically, attendees will practice selecting activities, grading activities, providing feedback, arranging the practice space, progressing activities, and facilitating patient problem solving. Speakers will provide participants with a structured practice experience as well as feedback. Recommendations for applying motor skill training to other musculoskeletal pain conditions will be provided.
Session Outline:
8:00 – 9:00 Engaged lecture with audience polling. Why motor skill training? Rationale for motor skill training in functional activities for people with musculoskeletal pain. Review of the evidence.
9:00 – 10:00 Case presentation and discussion with reflection. How to implement motor skill training. Key motor learning principles and how to design, implement and progress a training program with case examples.
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:15 Laboratory session. Assessing patient-specific movement errors and strategies for providing patient education.
11:15 – 12:00 Laboratory session. Selecting activities to practice and assessing patient-specific goals.
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 Laboratory session. Implementing motor skill training to train each other to perform a functional activity differently with a focus on facilitating patient problem solving.
2:00 – 3:00 Group discussion and video examples. Feedback for participants on their performance of motor skill training. Review of common implementation errors.
3:00 – 3:15 Break
3:15 – 4:00 Laboratory session. Implementing motor skill training to train each other to perform functional activities differently with a focus on how to provide feedback and directing the patient to attend to internal feedback.
4:00 – 5:00 Application of motor skill training to participant cases and group discussion. Participants will design a program based on a case they bring to the course. Discussion of special considerations.
Objectives:
- Describe the concept of motor skill training in functional activities and the key principles of motor learning that guide the use of motor skill training in rehabilitation.
- Apply a framework for the assessment, design, implementation, and progression of a motor skill training program in the person with musculoskeletal pain.
- Implement motor learning principles to train a person to perform functional activities differently.
- Design a training plan based on motor learning principles.
Speakers
- Speaker Vanessa M. Lanier, PT, DPT (Washington University Program in Physical Therapy)
- Linda R. Van Dillen, PT, PhD, FAPTA
- Jesse Marie Civello, PT, DPT (Precision Physical Therapy)