Use of motor learning principles to improve motor adaptation in adult obesity

Simone V. Gill, Michael K. Walsh

Boston University, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston, USA.
College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Sargent College Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/health.2012.412A206                

Abstract

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States, and weight loss is key component to overcoming the problem. However, the risk of falling and injury in the obese population may hinder their engagement in the amount and intensity of physical activity needed to lose weight. The risks of falling and injury have been attributed to differences in temporospatial walking parameters, musculoskeletal structure, and cognitive processing: all of which affect the obese population’s ability to adapt while walking. We have proposed that an intervention using motor learning principles with an implicit learning task could improve the adaptive abilities of obese individuals during movement and thus, allow for safer participation in physical activity during weight loss interventions.

Keywords

Obesity; Walking; Adaptation; Motor Learning

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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