Differential Learning in Physiotherapy - How to Foster Self-organized Learning. DE

This book explores a new, scientifically positively tested motor learning approach for physiotherapists, providing practical examples for applications.
It emphasizes that learning from differences is more effective than repetitive learning, offering a novel perspective on educational methods. This approach enhances the effectiveness of teaching and learning in physiotherapy. The book explores the application of neurophysiological and system dynamic thinking underpinned with information on theoretical aspects to overcome master theories based on opinion papers. This fresh approach will lead to innovative insights and solutions within the rehabilitation field. Each chapter draws on scientifically sound principles and includes references to reviewed and published studies. A close link between theoretical concepts and their practical consequences is presented.
This bridge between theory and application ensures that readers can readily apply what they learn in real-world physiotherapy settings.
Besides, a learning approach based on the individuality of patients is explored, emphasizing a model for therapist-patient interaction. This patient-oriented method contrasts with one-sided, therapist or model-oriented approaches and can result in more personalized and effective patient care that is highly demanded in the XXI century rehabilitation context.
From acute injuries to chronic disorders, this book equips physiotherapists and other rehabilitation specialists all over the world with the tools they need to customize treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient, enhancing the quality of care delivered. Applying the Differential Learning approach, it illustrates how methods can be finely tailored to diverse circumstances.

List of contents

Part A: Foundations and Theory of Differential Learning.-1. Basic Assumptions of Classical Approaches in Physiothera.-2. Foundations of the Paradigm Shift.-3. Differential Learning.- . Part B: Application of DL in Physiotherapeutic Fields.-4. DL in Physiotherapy of Headstroke Patients.-5. DL in Musicians/Focal Dystonia.-6. DL for ACL Recovery and Prevention.-7. DL and Falling Prevention/Learning to Balance.-8. DL and Metabolism.

About the author

Wolfgang Schöllhorn stands as a distinguished scholar whose journey has significantly influenced the fields of training science, biomechanics, and motor learning. His academic path traversed diverse disciplines, encompassing Studies in Physics, Physical Education, Sport Science, Pedagogy, and Neuroscience across respected institutions such as Mainz, Frankfurt, Cologne, Boston, Calgary, and Boca Raton. This journey reached a significant milestone with a 1990 PhD in Biomechanics, followed by a 1995 Habilitation on System Dynamics in motor learning. Wolfgang Schöllhorn's pursuit of excellence earned him a Scholarship from the German Research Foundation (1993–1995), propelling him to positions of prominence, including Professor for Applied Training Science at the University of Leipzig (1996–2000) and Chair for Training Science at the University of Münster (2000–2007). From 2007, he assumed the Chair for Movement and Training Science at the University of Mainz while simultaneously directing the Institute of Sport Science until 2020. Since the mid-90s, his international impact has extended through guest professorships in Calgary, Taipei, Salzburg, and Graz, as well as through numerous invited keynote lectures. 
Wolfgang Schöllhorn brings an exceptional breadth of practical expertise to his scholarship. As a high-performance athlete he competed at national and international level in handball, decathlon, and four-man bobsleigh. For more than fifteen years he has coached elite athletes and teams on both national and international stages, with injury prevention and rehabilitation forming a constant thread in his daily practice. This rare blend of elite competition and long-term coaching continually informs his scientific work. 
His Differential Learning concept gained international acclaim, earning the Miyashita Award from the International Society of Biomechanics (1999) and the Deutsches Werkbund-Label (2006). He was also an early pioneer in applying machine-learning techniques to movement-pattern recognition in the 1990s. His guidance now benefits physiotherapists, coaches, teachers, musicians, and national sports squads alike.
Uniting pioneering research with lived athletic and coaching experience, Wolfgang Schöllhorn exemplifies the transformative power of integrating scientific rigor with practical insight—leaving a lasting imprint on movement science and beyond.
Agnė Slapšinskaitė-Dackevičienė's  commitment to global collaboration is further underscored by her post-doctoral role at Beijing Sport University, China (2019), where she immersed herself in studying Qigong. Her contributions extended to impactful projects like BaltCityPrevention (2018-2020) and Healthy Boost (2019-2021), both in the Interreg Baltic Sea Region, showcasing her dedication to promoting health on a broader scale. 
Her path underscores the remarkable impact of collaborative efforts across disciplines and an enduring commitment to advancing human health and well-being through holistic approaches. Her influence reaches beyond academia, resonating with a comprehensive approach to health sciences and the promotion of well-being in the broader community.

Summary

This book explores a new, scientifically positively tested motor learning approach for physiotherapists, providing practical examples for applications.
It emphasizes that learning from differences is more effective than repetitive learning, offering a novel perspective on educational methods. This approach enhances the effectiveness of teaching and learning in physiotherapy. The book explores the application of neurophysiological and system dynamic thinking underpinned with information on theoretical aspects to overcome master theories based on opinion papers. This fresh approach will lead to innovative insights and solutions within the rehabilitation field. Each chapter draws on scientifically sound principles and includes references to reviewed and published studies. A close link between theoretical concepts and their practical consequences is presented.
This bridge between theory and application ensures that readers can readily apply what they learn in real-world physiotherapy settings.
Besides, a learning approach based on the individuality of patients is explored, emphasizing a model for therapist-patient interaction. This patient-oriented method contrasts with one-sided, therapist or model-oriented approaches and can result in more personalized and effective patient care that is highly demanded in the XXI century rehabilitation context.
From acute injuries to chronic disorders, this book equips physiotherapists and other rehabilitation specialists all over the world with the tools they need to customize treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient, enhancing the quality of care delivered. Applying the Differential Learning approach, it illustrates how methods can be finely tailored to diverse circumstances.

Product details

• Assisted by: Wolfgang Schöllhorn (Editor), Agn_ Slapsinskait_-Dackevicien_ (Editor), Slapsinskaite-Dackeviciene (Editor), Agnė Slapšinskaitė-Dackevičienė (Editor)
• Publisher: Springer, Berlin
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 10.12.2025
• EAN: 9783031987861
• ISBN: 978-3-0-3198786-1
• No. of pages: 200
• Illustrations: Approx. 200 p. 150 illus. With online files/update.
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Medicine > Medical professions; Ergotherapie, Sport: Training und Coaching, Sportmedizin, Sportverletzungen, sports medicine, Occupational Therapy, System Dynamics, Neurophysiology, physiotherapy, Sport Education and Didactics, motor learning, Movement therapy, Ergo therapy