Brain and Body Rehabilitation

The OPTIMAL theory of motor learning (Lewthwaite, Wulf 2016) espouses the anticipation and priming of the dopaminergic reward system causing increased attention, intensity and potentially reward reinforcing learning, called enhanced expectancies. We can apply this concept on and for our patients using cues, practice, and structure, setting them up initially for success that can build their […]

Feedback frequency, specficity of practice, intensity, repetitions…yes, we know many of the essential components of motor learning in rehabilitation AND how to best manipulate them now both in recovery of function and in learning of novel task. In 2016, Wulf and Lewthwaite added the OPTIMAL theory to what we knew. The authors added concepts of […]