MOTOR BEHAVIOR RESEARCH - IMPLICATIONS FOR THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES TO CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION

This article reviews the models and theories of motor behavior that ar e the foundation for the traditional approaches to central nervous sys tem (CNS) dysfunction and presents a new theoretical model and approac h that are beginning to influence practice. Reflex, hierarchical, and systems models of motor control and developmental and motor learning t heories are discussed. The relationships of these models and theories to past, present, and future treatment approaches to CNS dysfunction a re explored. The assumptions and limitations of the muscle reeducation , neurodevelopmental, and motor relearning approaches are discussed. A contemporary task-oriented approach based on the systems model is pro posed and contrasted with traditional neurodevelopmental approaches.