Development of Dysfunctional movement patterns

Question 1

Aberrant learning

Answer 1

• negative learning
• negative plasticity
• or learned abnormal movement patterns or behaviors
• can occur after repetitive strain injuries

Question 2

clinical examples of aberrant learning

Answer 2

• abnormal movement patterns due to pain
• abnormal movement patterns due to neuromuscular dysfunction (stroke or TBI)
• focal dystonia

Question 3

Focal dystonia

Answer 3

• focal hand dystonia or focal task-specific dystonia
• sustained muscle contraction that is not voluntary
• familial
• writer cramp
• occupational hand dystonia

Question 4

Is aberrant learning?

Answer 4

• animal research says yes
• patterns in the brain change and peripheral changes as well associated with aberrant learning

Question 5

changes with aberrant learning

Answer 5

• shrinking of cortical representation for that body part (part of the brain that represented that area)
• expansion of other cortical areas into that original body part area (cortical smearing)
• abnormal interaction between the right and lef hemispheres
• abnormal interaction between the basal ganglia and the cerebral cortex (coordination)

Question 6

what predisposes someone to aberrant learning?

Answer 6

• excessive stress (created by perfectionists/unrealistic goals)
• many occupations require extensive hours of work
• tension paired with mental and emotional strain leading to stress-related injuries

Question 7

how do you prevent aberrant learning

Answer 7

• prevent chronic abnormal movement as they cause changes in the nervous system
• reduce stress
• reduce repetitive movements

Question 8

Primary prevention of aberrant learning

Answer 8

• physical activity = reduce stress abd risk fo other diseases
• body mechanics training: reduce repetitive motions and postural training

Question 9

Primary prevention of repetitive strain injuries and dystonia

Answer 9

• initiating movements from the elbows and shoulders vs the hands
• using low force grips as much as possible to reduce stress on hands
• keeping wrist in neutral
  -maintain palmar arch

Question 10

secondary prevention of repitive strain injuries

Answer 10

• attempting to minimize and prevent aberrant learning and development of dystonia
• rest
• education about biomechanics
• resumption of repetitive motion should occur slowly with concentration on movement

Question 11

tertiary prevention of aberrant learning

Answer 11

• once RSI become chronic then lookat tertiary prevention
• minimize disability and long term effects