Perspectives on theory and application of implicit and explicit motor learning in neurological rehabilitation

The overall aim of this project was to provide therapists in neurological rehabilitation with knowledge and tools to support the justified and tailored use of motor learning in daily clinical practice. Both available knowledge from other fields (e.g., sports), as well as new insights from applied studies, were used to compile an overview of clinically feasible options to apply motor learning in daily practice within neurological rehabilitation.

To achieve this aim, the thesis was divided into two parts. The aim of the first part was to develop a theoretical basis to apply motor learning in clinical practice, using the implicit‐explicit distinction as a conceptual basis. Afterwards, in the second part, strategies identified in the first part were tested for feasibility and potential effects in people with stroke.

Note:

Chapters 6 and 8 are non-final versions of an article published in final form in:

Chapter 6: Kleynen M, Beurskens A, Olijve H, Kamphuis J, Braun S. Application of motor learning in neurorehabilitation: a framework for health-care professionals. Physiother Theory Pract. 2018 Jun 19:1-20. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1483987

Chapter 8: Kleynen M, Jie LJ, Theunissen K, Rasquin SM, Masters RS, Meijer K, Beurskens AJ, Braun SM. The immediate influence of implicit motor learning strategies on spatiotemporal gait parameters in stroke patients: a randomized within-subjects design. Clin Rehabil. 2019 Apr;33(4):619-630. doi: 10.1177/0269215518816359.