Theories of Motor Learning

This is an elective course at National Taiwan University. The course is originally designed for graduate students in physical therapy. Students of other disciplines who are interested in movement sciences are welcomed. The main objectives are to familiarize students to the motor learning research on theory development, neurophysiological basis and clinical applications. The content of this course will include history and recent advancement of movement science, concepts of clinically applicable theories of motor learning, neuroplasticity and mechanisms underlying theories, evidences of effectiveness and efficacy of theory-based clinical research on motor skill learning and motor recovery. The course on Theories of Motor Control compliments this course and will provide students a fuller understanding of movement science.

Course Objectives: At the end of this semester, the students should be able to:

1. Describe the history and recent advancement of concepts of motor learning theories.

2. Understand mechanisms and neurophysiological basis of motor learning.

3. Critically appraise evidences of motor learning clinical studies.

4. Design evidence-based practice and feedback components of physical therapy.

5. Reflect and improve teaching performance of a motor skill.