Upper Limb Motor Learning Strategy Tool (UL-MLST)

This certification course introduces the Upper Limb-Motor Learning Strategy Tool (UL-MLST), a valid, reliable, and clinically useful tool for clinicians working with children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families. This self-paced training program has been developed to guide participants on how to effectively implement motor learning strategies within the evidence-based, task-focused models of upper limb therapy.

The UL-MLST provides a comprehensive package of resources that consolidates a wide range of motor learning elements and strategies derived from various theoretical frameworks into a practical tool that is aligned with evidence-based upper limb therapy approaches for children with CP. The suite of UL-MLST resources includes a self-paced Online Training Program, a Manual, and a self-reflection Checklist. These provide a structured framework to guide clinicians on how to implement and document the motor learning strategies used in task-focused models of upper limb therapy. The training program includes video-based scenarios to visually demonstrate each motor learning strategy and how they could be used in clinical practice.

Due to the complexity of motor learning strategies, this Online Training Program and a 3-hour live session have been developed as part of the UL-MLST certification procedure. It consists of two steps that must be completed within the specified two-month time frame listed below. Please note that certification will not be achieved if all requirements are not completed within the timeframes below. 

1. Self-directed online training program and assignment (approximately 7 hours). Four self-paced modules on the CPTeaching Learning Management System (LMS) introduce the UL-MLST, the 16 motor learning elements and 57 motor learning strategies (type of task, type of practice and type of feedback), and how to document them using the UL-MLST Checklist. Quizzes are used to test your knowledge. Participants then complete the assignment: rating two (2) video-recorded therapy sessions (bimanual therapy and goal-directed training) with the online UL-MLST Checklist. The assignment must be submitted before the scheduled live forum; participants who have not completed it are unable to take part in any further part of the training.

2. Live online forum (3 hours). Ask questions about specific strategies and the use of the UL-MLST, work through a case scenario and practise using the UL-MLST with your teachers.

Who should attend

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists who deliver task-focused upper limb therapy (such as bimanual therapy, goal-directed training or constraint-induced movement therapy) to children with cerebral palsy, and researchers measuring treatment fidelity in upper limb intervention trials.

Course objectives

On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the three key principles of motor learning (type of task, type of practice and type of feedback) and the 16 motor learning elements of the UL-MLST.

2. Define each of the 57 motor learning strategies in the UL-MLST and give a clinical example of its use.

3. Identify the motor learning strategies applied in a video-recorded therapy session and classify each as appropriately applied, not applied or inappropriately applied using the UL-MLST Checklist.

4. Evaluate their own therapy sessions with the UL-MLST Checklist and plan changes to improve motor learning strategy use in future sessions.

Course requirements

All self-directed modules and the assignment must be completed on the LMS before the scheduled live forum, and all requirements must be completed within the specified two-month time frame.

Prerequisites: Nil. Familiarity with evidence-based upper limb therapy approaches for children with cerebral palsy is recommended.

Please do not register for this course if you have planned leave or other factors that will impact on your ability to complete all steps within the time frames specified.