Project Description

Workshop 2:

Implementing motor learning principles to improve function in people with low back pain

Organizers:

• Vanessa M. Lanier
• Linda R. Van Dillen

Short description

Motor learning principles are increasingly recognized as essential in rehabilitation and motor skill training in functional activities applies these principles to produce large short- and long-term improvements in function, pain, and movement in people with chronic low back pain (LBP). This workshop highlights the evidence, key learning principles, and rationale for applying motor skill training in LBP. Through case examples and a hands-on lab, participants will practice designing, implementing, and progressing functional training programs, including activity selection, grading, feedback, and patient problem solving.

Full description

The importance of applying motor learning principles in rehabilitation is gaining greater recognition. Motor skill training applies these principles in a practical way to improve performance of pain-limited functional activities and has been shown to result in meaningful short- and long-term improvements in function, pain, and movement in people with chronic low back pain (LBP). This course will describe the rationale for and effective application of motor skill training in people with LBP. Speakers will review the supporting evidence and key motor learning principles that guide skill training. Through case examples, participants will learn how to design, implement, and progress training programs. A hands-on laboratory experience will allow attendees to practice activity selection and grading, feedback strategies, practice setup, activity progression, and facilitation of patient problem solving, with structured guidance and feedback from the speakers.

Learning Objectives:

Describe motor skill training in functional activities and key motor learning principles guiding its use in rehabilitation
Explain the rationale for using motor skill training in people with LBP.
Apply a framework for assessing, designing, and implementing, a motor skill training program for LBP.
Implement motor learning principles to train someone to perform functional activities differently.
Design a training plan based on motor learning principles.

Agenda

12:30-13:10 – Linda Van Dillen – Why motor skill training? Rationale for motor skill training in functional activities for people with low back pain Review of the evidence.
13:10-13:50 – Vanessa Lanier – 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.
13:50-14:20 – Break
14:20-15:00 – Linda Van Dillen and Vanessa Lanier-  Laboratory session. Implementing motor skill training, including activity selection and grading, feedback strategies, practice setup, activity progression, and facilitation of patient problem solving, with feedback from the speakers.
15:00-15:30 – Group discussion and video examples. Feedback for participants on their performance of motor skill training. Review of common implementation errors.