Foundations in Movement Science - Skill Acquisition Study Day (March 2026)

Skill Acquisition is a one day workshop, covering current theory and evidence relating to motor learning and skill acquisition in rehabilitation, with a focus on stroke. Attendees will come away with a sound understanding of the current evidence base in this field, and practical examples of how to apply this in clinical practice. Our online course is interactive, with plenty of opportunity for discussion and reflection.

This is an introductory level course, which is targeted at physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Although the content largely focusses on stroke rehabilitation, the concepts will be applicable to a wide rage of rehabilitation scenarios.

Course materials, including a comprehensive e-handbook, will be sent via email approximately 2 weeks before the course start date. As this is an interactive online course, it is essential that participants are able to join from a PC or laptop with audio and a video camera, and that they have stable internet access.

Courses are delivered by Dr Louise Johnson, Dr Anna Gould and Dr Angie Logan - who are clinical-academic experts in this field, and who are passionate about person centred and evidence based rehabilitation.

Learning Objectives:

To -

1. Describe the processes underlying neurological recovery in someone with stroke

2. Critique current theory and evidence relating to motor learning in stroke

3. Describe the ways in which practice may be structured to maximise functional recovery

4. Understand the role of instruction and feedback in motor performance and motor learning

5. Recognise the role of the therapist as a coach, and discuss the ways in which healthcare professionals can enhance engagement and motivation.

6. Apply and adapt current theory and evidence relating to motor learning to a broad range of clinical scenarios (e.g. those with profound weakness, cognitive and language impairment)