Webinar: Optimal Theory of Motor Learning

Introduction

• Presenter: Lily Jimenez
• Title: Optimal Theory of Motor Learning: Your Recipe for Motor Success
• Focus: Enhancing motor learning by integrating motivation and attention

What is Optimal Theory?

• Acronym: Optimizing Performance through Intrinsic Motivation and Attention for Learning
• Motor Learning: Ability of the brain to learn and retain motor skills

Key Concepts in Motor Learning

• Practice conditions, augmented feedback, model presentations
• Importance of motivation and attention often overlooked in motor learning

Development of Optimal Theory

• Proposed by Dr. Wolf and Dr. Lothwaite
• Different from other theories due to focus on motivation and attention
• Motor behavior observed in social contexts
• Performance influenced by presence of others and cognitive processes

Components of Optimal Theory

1. Enhanced Expectancies

   • Expectation of success boosts confidence and performance
   • Techniques: reward-like states, positive normative feedback, storytelling, conceptions of ability
   • Example: Augmented feedback focusing on positives, even if some aspects are negative

2. Autonomy

   • Giving control to the patient enhances their sense of agency
   • Techniques: Incidental choices, autonomy-supportive language
   • Example: Allow patients to choose session order or equipment

3. External Focus of Attention

   • Promotes automatic control and reduces interference in motor pathways
   • Techniques: Use of external cues (e.g., markers, imaginary scenarios)
   • Example: Focusing on the movement goal rather than body parts

Application in Therapy

• Enhanced Expectancies: Create success expectations and positive feedback loops
• Autonomy: Allow patient choices to enhance control
• External Focus: Use cues that direct attention away from body parts

Case Studies and Examples

• Videos illustrating the use of external focus in various motor learning scenarios
• Examples with patients suffering from functional neurologic disorders and post-stroke recovery demonstrating improved outcomes

Summary

• Combining enhanced expectancies, autonomy, and external focus triggers dopamine response, benefiting motor performance
• Avoid internal focus of attention due to potential disruption

Practical Application

• Consider scenarios with patients having specific conditions (e.g., hemiparesis, Parkinson's)
• Formulate strategies using optimal theory elements

Conclusion

• Encouragement to use the optimal theory in practice
• Benefits include more engaging, patient-centered therapy sessions
• Thank you for attending the webinar