Motor Learning Institute

Preview: Practical Motor Learning Principles Applied to ACL Rehab: the External Focus of Attention

Athletes following ACL injury or reconstruction may exhibit different brain activation in regions important for attention, vision, and sensorimotor integration compared to non-injured athletes. This indicates that aspects of normal CNS function may not be fully restored through rehabilitation. Recent evidence indicates that incorporating motor learning principles into rehabilitation protocols can improve movement strategies for athletes recovering from ACL injury. In this course we will present novel clinically integrated motor learning principles using external focus of attention to support neuroplasticity that can improve patient functional performance and reduce the risk of second ACL injury. With the help of practical examples and case study assignments, the translation is made from science to practice. Challenging questions are provided to encourage an active involvement during the course.

Besides all the information in the episode you will also be able to test your newly acquired knowledge in the form of a quiz.

Price:

€ 399,00

(incl. VAT)

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What's in this course?

  • 1
    Introduction course

    Our course guarantee development for personal and professional growth. Based on scientific knowledge and directly applicable in daily clinical use.

  • 2
    Learning materials

    Motor Learning Institute‘s main mission is to help you to achieve the best learning outcome.

  • 3
    Competencies

    It’s up to you in which domain you want to focus on developing competencies.

  • 4
    Chapter 1 Let's get started! Definition motor learning

    In the following sections we take you by step through the foundational elements of motor learning. Hang in there with us :)

  • 5
    Chapter 1 Retention test and transfer test

    Motor learning is not about the immediate effect of the exercise on performance, but about the long-term improvement. Learning occurs when the improvement over time is sustained. In order to determine whether learning has taken place, we use a so-called retention or transfer test.

  • 6
    Chapter 1 Practical assignment retention and transfer test

    Now we put the theory to practice. What are the steps to do a retention test and/or a transfer test ? We advice you to work with one (or more) of your patients currently under your care.

  • 7
    Chapter 1 Introduction external focus of attention

    The purpose is to provide an introduction for the application of attentional focus strategies and guide clinicians towards effectively utilizing an external focus of attention in ACL rehabilitation.

  • 8
    Chapter 2 Variable practice to induce external focus of attention

    In this part we provide you with the basic concepts of variable practice and what the potential benefits are for neuroplasticity.

  • 9
    Chapter 2 How to apply external focus of attention to the prehabilitation phase

    So now we are ready to apply the principles of external focus of attention in real practice. Please find a patient to work with you.

  • 10
    Chapter 3 External focus in acute phase after ACL reconstruction: Gait training

    A normal gait pattern after ACL reconstruction should be achieved in around 6 weeks according to many protocols. Is this really the case? We provide you with practical examples how to improve gait but we also recommend you to use e.g. video for gait analysis.

  • 11
    Chapter 4 External focus in acute phase: postural stability, quad activation and functional exercise

    In this chapter we focus on postural stability, quadriceps activation and functional exercises. Use the time have to target any compensations that may occur. This is the best time!

  • 12
    Chapter 5 External focus instruction to target early asymmetry

    Not only do many patients shift load from the involved leg to the uninvolved leg. They also shift load within the involved leg: from the injured knee to the ankle and hip.

  • 13
    Chapter 6 Intermediate phase: use of external focus instruction for strengthening

    Studies have shown that using an external focus results in an increase of strength (up to 10%). We feel that clinicians should take advantage of this. By changing a few words in your instructions you can give your patient a free gift of 10% more strength !

  • 14
    Chapter 7 Intermediate phase: use of external focus instruction for running

    Return to running (RTR) decision-making should be individualized for each patient. No universal timeline exists. Be aware of doing too much too soon.

  • 15
    Chapter 8: Use of external focus instruction for jumping after ACLR

    Jumping movement patterns are persistently altered even after patients have returned to sports. Obviously, this is of great concern as we know this imposes an increased risk to sustain a second ACL injury. So more than enough reasons that we improve the current methods how we train our patients jump landing motor skills.

  • 16
    Chapter 9: Use of external focus instruction for changes of direction after ACLR

    In this chapter you learn the difference between change of direction and agility and how to progress your patient safely. Using external focus of attention instruction will be really useful.

  • 17
    Chapter 10: Use of external focus instruction for agility after ACLR

    In the final chapter of the course we provide an outline how you can expose your athlete to increasing uncertainty with higher intensities in the more advanced stages of on-field rehabilitation.

  • 18
    The last part, sources and additional information

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