A critique of therapeutic intervention programming with reference to an alternative approach based on motor learning theory.

As an alternative to current therapeutic intervention programming for developmentally delayed children, a rationale for intervention programming based on theories of motor control and learning is presented. The authors believe that the keys to successful motor training programs are repetition, correctly performed practice of functional skills, and sufficient learning time to facilitate skill retention and transfer. In order for therapists to construct and implement the most appropriate motor training programs for developmentally delayed children, they must be knowledgeable of the sensory-motor basis of motor skill acquisition. Some of the more important concepts of motor control and learning are presented.