Table 1.

Components of impairment-based and task oriented motor learning interventions.

Impairment-based Intervention: Build a “Bigger Engine”
Component	Purpose	Sample exercise
Resistance exercise	Improve strength and power of weak lower extremity muscles used in walking.	Repeated chair stand
Stretching	Increase joint range of motion to attain specific postures of the limb during walking	Stretching of the dorsi-flexors
Aerobic conditioning	Enhance the delivery and extraction of oxygen to the muscles used in walking	Cycling on a stationary bike
Progressive ambulation training	Practice components of walking to facilitate ability to recognize incorrect actions so that they can be consciously corrected	Repeated practice of push-off or weight shifting of the center of mass
Task Oriented Motor Learning: Build a “Better Engine”
Component	Purpose	Sample exercise
Defined movement goal	Limits degrees of freedom and reduces conscious attention	Stepping patterns such as stepping forward and across. Walking to set speed using music or metronome
Movement to gain knowledge of muscles and postures	Facilitate smooth switching between agonists and antagonist muscle groups during gait	Stepping backward and across prior to stepping forward.
Practice to correct errors in movement, develop and adjust motor plans	Accurate practice to facilitate changes or skill acquisition	Treadmill walking
Challenge to select optimal motor plan	Challenges accuracy and amplitude to facilitate motor skill acquisition. Sets criterion for performance.	Varying selection of motor plan during walking such as changing the direction of walking an oval path or spiral