Aim

1. Beyond componentry: How principles of motor learning can enhance locomotor rehabilitation of individuals with lower limb loss—A review Andrew Sawers, CPO, PhD; Michael E. Hahn, PhD; Valerie E. Kelly, PT, PhD; Joseph M. Czerniecki, MD; Deborah Kartin, PT, PhD

2. Aim • Explore potential application of motor learning principles to physical rehabilitation of people with lower limb loss. • Suggest future research directions. • Relevance • Relatively little attention has been given to use of motor learning strategies before, during, and after physical practice to help people with lower limb loss effectively and safely use their prostheses.

3. Potential Applications • Before • Goal setting (specific, short- and long-term). • Observational training. • Mental practice (visual imagery). • During • Organization of training (massed vs distributed, variable vs constant, random vs blocked, part vs whole). • Amount of physical guidance. • Focus of learner’s attention (external vs internal). • After • Augmented feedback.

4. Conclusion • In addition to which motor learning strategies should be used, future research should also address which patients respond best to which strategies and which constructs or dimensions of mobility should be emphasized. • Identification of effective motor learning strategies may enable less active individuals to learn and benefit from advanced prosthetic technology.