Terminology, Taxonomy, and Facilitation of Motor Learning in Clinical Practice: Protocol of a Delphi Study

Melanie Kleynen,Monique A Lexis,Susy M Braun,Anna Jhm Beurskens,Sascha M Rasquin,Michel Hc Bleijlevens,Rich S Masters,Mark R Wilson,Jos Halfens

doi:10.2196/resprot.2604

Melanie Kleynen, Monique A Lexis + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2196/resprot.2604

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Abstract

BackgroundFacilitating motor learning in patients during clinical practice is complex, especially in people with cognitive impairments. General principles of motor learning are available for therapists to use in their practice. However, the translation of evidence from the different fields of motor learning for use in clinical practice is problematic due to lack of uniformity in definition and taxonomy of terms related to motor learning.ObjectiveThe objective of this paper was to describe the design of a Delphi technique to reach consensus on definitions, descriptions, and taxonomy used within motor learning and to explore experts’ opinions and experiences on the application of motor learning in practice.MethodsA heterogeneous sample of at least 30 international experts on motor learning will be recruited. Their opinions regarding several central topics on motor learning using a Delphi technique will be collected in 3 sequential rounds. The questionnaires in the 3 rounds will be developed based on the literature and answers of experts from earlier rounds. Consensus will be reached when at least 70% of the experts agree on a certain topic. Free text comments and answers from open questions on opinions and experiences will be described and clustered into themes.ResultsThis study is currently ongoing. It is financially supported by Stichting Alliantie Innovatie (Innovation Alliance Foundation), RAAK-international (Registration number: 2011-3-33int).ConclusionsThe results of this study will enable us to summarize and categorize expert knowledge and experiences in a format that should be more accessible for therapists to use in support of their clinical practice. Unresolved aspects will direct future research.

Highlights

BackgroundMotor learning has been a central topic in the sport domain, and has more recently received increased attention in the context of rehabilitation [1], especially in people with neurological disorders [2,3]
A heterogeneous sample of at least 30 international experts on motor learning will be recruited. Their opinions regarding several central topics on motor learning using a Delphi technique will be collected in 3 sequential rounds
The results of this study will enable us to summarize and categorize expert knowledge and experiences in a format that should be more accessible for therapists to use in support of their clinical practice

Summary

Introduction

Motor learning has been a central topic in the sport domain, and has more recently received increased attention in the context of rehabilitation [1], especially in people with neurological disorders [2,3]. In both populations, research into fundamental (eg, underlying mechanisms) [4] as well as clinical (eg, application to individuals) aspects [5,6] of motor learning is increasing. The translation of evidence from the different fields of motor learning for use in clinical practice is problematic due to lack of uniformity in definition and taxonomy of terms related to motor learning

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion