Principles of Motor Learning

Principles of Motor Learning (PML) refers to how you structure practice of the target words, in apraxia therapy.

Before we go further, click here to receive a handout with the PML to refer to for session planning.

This blog post will focus on clinical application of the PML. Refer to the handout for a detailed definition of each term.

For the purpose of this discussion, we will be discussing clinical application of constant / blocked practice versus variable / random practice.

Constant / blocked practice generally refers to practicing the same target word many times during an activity. This helps the child acquire the motor plan.

What does a block of practice look like? Practice the word in either one large block of 20-30 repetitions or break it up into smaller blocks.

>> If the reinforcer is quick, I may only elicit one repetition per piece to the toy. Other times, I elicit 3-5 (or more!).  Here is a link with more information about using toys in apraxia therapy.

>> Sometimes, I hold up my hand and count my fingers to get 5 repetitions or two hands for 10!

>> Encouraging multiple repetitions in succession before the child becomes distracted by play is ideal. This helps maintain focus on the movements.

Variable / random practice refers to practicing more than one word during an activity and sprinkling the word into various activities at random times. This helps the child generalize the word. (see handout for more ways to add variability)  Practicing the word with varied prosody adds variability.  Click here to see a therapy video demonstrating how I work on prosody.

In a typical session with a child with CAS, I might be practicing several words in constant / blocked practice and other words in variable / random practice.  When the child can produce the word spontaneously, I move the word into random practice for several sessions and have the family practice it at home and in the community.   

For an articulation session, constant practice would be practicing 10 words 10x each, and variable practice would mean practicing the words in random order which helps in generalization.  The child needs to think on their feet!  Click here for more information on using variable practice in articulation therapy. 

Principles of motor learning include using multisensory cueing.  Click here for more information and a link to a handout.