Task-Specific Training: A Catalyst or Constraint in Functional Restoration?

Presented by J.J. Mowder-Tinney and Edelle Field-Fote

Task-Specific Training: A Catalyst or Constraint in Functional Restoration?
Neuro Navigators: Task-Specific Training: A Catalyst or Constraint in Functional Restoration? (Episode 31)

Audio Runtime: 59 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: ___Minutes

Join host J.J. Mowder-Tinney, PT, PhD, NCS and world-renowned neurorehabilitation expert Edelle Field-Fote, PT, PhD, FAPTA, FASIA as they challenge the traditional boundaries of task-specific training. Together, they unpack why kinematic repetition alone often fails to translate into real-world performance and how “foundational” clinical concepts may be limiting your patients’ functional restoration. Dr. Field-Fote shares her revolutionary “motor skill training circuit” and explains how to strategically use neuromodulation as a “burner” to amplify meaningful neural signals. You will discover how to move beyond simple task replication to embrace error, variability, and explosive power training that truly drives long-term neuroplasticity.

Learning Outcomes
  • Analyze the evidence around essential factors that are needed to translate task-specific training into real-world performance
  • Apply evidence-informed, practical strategies to actionably incorporate multi-modal movement parameters and neuromodulation into task-specific training
  • Solve patient case scenarios involving the application of an expanded task-specific training framework to restore functional mobility and upper extremity function

This is an audio-only course. Additional materials are available for download within the course. To receive continuing education credit, complete the course and the accompanying quiz.

Meet your instructors

Smiling person with long blonde hair in a blue top on a gray background.

J.J. Mowder-Tinney

Dr. J.J. Mowder-Tinney holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder, a master of science in physical therapy from the University of Miami, and a doctorate in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University. With nearly three decades of diverse clinical experience, her expertise…

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Edelle Field-Fote

Edelle (Edee) Field-Fote, PT, PhD, FAPTA, FASIA holds the positions of Director, Shepherd Center Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Program & Hulse Laboratory; Professor, Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine; and Professor of the Practice, Georgia Institute of Technology, School of…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Task-Specific Training: A Catalyst or Constraint in Functional Restoration?

1. Task-Specific Training: A Catalyst or Constraint in Functional Restoration?

In this episode, J.J. Mowder-Tinney and Dr. Edelle Field-Fote challenge the limits of traditional task-specific training, exploring how clinicians can move beyond simple kinematic repetition to incorporate high-intensity circuits and neuromodulation that bridge the gap between clinical capacity and real-world performance.

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