52 Optimizing Outcomes in Rehabilitation: Motor Learning Principles and Beyond: Summary 52
Audiovisual feedback involves combining auditory and visual information to enhance learning. For instance, individuals can receive both visual cues and auditory tones when performing tasks like maintaining proper form during walking. This combination of sensory modalities helps improve task accuracy and reduces cognitive workload, making it particularly useful for complex motor tasks with a steep learning curve. Visuohaptic feedback combines both visual and haptic sensory information to enhance the understanding of timing during tasks. For example, when individuals use visuohaptic feedback while filling a container with water, they not only see the water level rise (visual) but also feel the weight of the water in their hand (haptic). This combination of sensory modalities allows patients to experience and adjust their movements in real time, making it particularly effective for improving the timing of actions. Beyond the type of feedback we use, when we offer it can be as important for learning and skill acquisition. There are two main ways to provide feedback: Concurrent feedback, which is given while a task is being performed, and terminal feedback, which is provided at the end of the task. Concurrent feedback is valuable, especially for beginners, as it helps them understand what they are doing wrong and offers specific instructions for making improvements. However, for more complex tasks, concurrent feedback can reduce cognitive load, making it easier for learners. Terminal feedback, on the other hand, works best when learners can relate it to their prior performance.
| HEALTHCARE CONSIDERATION
Delayed and summary feedback (summing up performance after a last attempt with a delay of a minute or two), allow for self-reflection. This pause encourages patients to contemplate their actions and performance, fostering a deeper understanding of their strengths and areas that require improvement. The act of reflecting on their actions enables individuals to process the information more effectively and refine their skills based on personal insights. Another critical factor in motor learning success is patient autonomy. It involves enabling patients to take control of their care by providing them with choices and opportunities for collaborative interactions. Autonomy not only promotes positive emotions but also enhances patient engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. To achieve autonomy, it is crucial to maintain a balance between internal and external focus throughout the motor learning process. Patients should be able to make informed decisions regarding their goals and treatment methods, and have the power to choose when they want to receive feedback. By aligning patient and therapist goals, a patient-focused approach can enhance motivation and self- efficacy, ultimately leading to more effective and engaging rehabilitation experiences. Treatment should correlate to their goals and daily activities! Most importantly, this can lead to a patient’s mood being lifted. Good moods foster more cognitive flexibility and creativity.
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE Research shows that when patients are given more control over their rehabilitation journey, they're more likely to achieve the best possible outcomes. A lack of autonomy, on the other hand, leads to poorer outcomes and is a detriment to motor learning. This means that providers must prioritize giving their patients the autonomy they need to feel engaged, motivated, and empowered throughout the rehabilitation process.
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