Achieving optimal outcomes: Implementing the OPTIMAL theory in physical therapy practice

Course overview

This course will provide participants with an evidence-based overview of the OPTIMAL theory of motor learning and its application to physical therapy practice. Principles of OPTIMAL theory including integration of external focus of control, enhanced expectancies, and autonomy into the plan of care for adult and pediatric clients will be described. Through utilization of video cases, presenters will demonstrate how the Lite Gait system can be used as a modality to incorporate motor learning principles into treatment programs. At the conclusion of the course, participants will have the opportunity to design interventions incorporating OPTIMAL motor learning principles.