Motor synergies research in physical therapy: advantages of the uncontrolled manifold approach

Daniela Virgínia Vaz

doi:10.1590/1809-2950/12646024012017

Daniela Virgínia Vaz

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-2950/12646024012017

Copy DOI

Abstract

ABSTRACT Movement is central to physical therapy identity and practice. Advances in the science of movement control, motor learning and development are thus inextricably tied to professional development and clinical activity. This paper aims to describe a prominent approach to motor control with potential to greatly advance the understanding of movement dysfunction: the uncontrolled manifold (UCM). An argument is formulated for incorporating this method of data analysis in rehabilitation research. It is a narrative review of the relevant literature. Research in physical therapy could greatly benefit from investigating synergies with the theory and methods of UCM. Research should seek connections between functioning in daily life tasks and the assembling of synergies to stabilize different performance variables, the UCM variability measures, the synergy strength indexes, and the anticipatory synergy adjustments. Changes in these synergy variables should also be quantified after rehabilitation interventions. UCM can offer one solid science-based approach to inform clinical decisions on whether synergies have to be broken, rebalanced, created, or reinforced in patients with movement dysfunction.

Highlights

MOTOR SYNERGIESIn 2013 the American Physical Therapy Association issued a statement addressing the role of physical therapy: The physical therapy profession will transform society by optimizing movement to improve health and participation in life[1].The profession will be responsible for monitoring an individual’s movement system across the life span in order to promote optimal development, diagnose dysfunction, and provide interventions targeted at preventing or ameliorating restrictions to activity and participation
The movement system will form the basis of practice, education, and research of the professional[2]
This paper aims to describe a prominent approach to motor control with potential to greatly advance the understanding of movement dysfunction: the uncontrolled manifold

Summary

Introduction

MOTOR SYNERGIESIn 2013 the American Physical Therapy Association issued a statement addressing the role of physical therapy: The physical therapy profession will transform society by optimizing movement to improve health and participation in life[1].The profession will be responsible for monitoring an individual’s movement system across the life span in order to promote optimal development, diagnose dysfunction, and provide interventions targeted at preventing or ameliorating restrictions to activity and participation. The movement system will form the basis of practice, education, and research of the professional[2]. These statements make it very clear that movement is central to physical therapy identity and practice as a profession. Advances in the science of movement control, learning and development are inextricably tied to professional development and clinical activity. The influence of these scientific theories in professional activity may be implicit or explicit. It is fundamental that research programs in Physical Therapy analyze and incorporate theoretical and methodological advances of movement science. Arguments will be made for the incorporation of this method of data analysis in rehabilitation research

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion