Neuro Navigators Episode 24: Can Motor Performance Be Driven By Cognition? The CO-OP Approach

Helene Polatajko, PhD, OT(C), FCAOT, FCAHS, LLD(h.c.), OC, a renowned occupational therapist, researcher, and co-developer of the CO-OP Approach, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for a thought-provoking conversation on how cognition can drive motor performance. Together, they explore the power of guided discovery, client-centered goals, and the surprising role of self-generated strategies in rehabilitation. From dancing to dressing to stroke recovery, you’ll hear how thinking differently about movement can change what your patients are capable of. Tune in to reframe your clinical lens and get inspired to incorporate “goal-plan-do-check” into your own sessions.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around CO-OP approaches to meaningful activities across pediatric and adult populationsApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address challenges in occupationalSolve patient case scenarios involving clients with coordination or motor learning impairmentTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to cognition and motor-based performance(00:01:20) Dr. Polatajko's background and journey in occupational therapy(00:05:30) The self-driving car(00:12:40) Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP)(00:14:35) Dynamic performance analysis(00:22:15) Guided discovery(00:30:24) Generalization and transfer of skills(00:34:14) Goal-plan-do-check(00:53:25) Key takeaways and conclusionNeuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Neuro Naviagators, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/