Dr. Jan Wilke Boosting the Brain: Neurocognitive Training in Health and Performance

Boosting the Brain: Neurocognitive Training in Health and Performance

Since millenia, therapists and conditioning coaches focus on the training and testing of motor functions such as speed, strength, or flexibility. However, research has revealed that neither injury occurrence nor sports performance are strongly related to such classical parameters. Instead, the brain and its ability to process and respond to a multitude of stimuli is more and more recognized as the paramount factor in health and performance. For instance, there is accumulating evidence that a large portion of lower limb injuries do not result from muscle weakness, poor jump height or limited range of motion but from poor decision-making of athletes moving in a highly dynamic and time-constrained environment. 

This workshop provides participants with cutting-edge knowledge on neurocognitive function and easy-to-apply exercises to improve it in various populations of patients and athletes.

Learning goals

• to obtain basic knowledge on the anatomy and physiology of the brain
• to distinguish relevant movement-related cognitive functions (i.e. working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility)

to use pen-&-paper and computerized cognitive tests (e.g. Stroop test, Go-NoGo-Test, Trail Making Test), knowing their pro's and con's in athletes and patients

• to conduct motor-cognitive screenings that combine cognitive and motor components
• to select and apply neurocognitive exercises in different settings (training/warm-up) and populations (elderly persons, athletes, patients)

Didactic methods used

-> lectures

-> group assignments and discussions

-> practical exercises and hands-on

-> worked examples and case studies

Accreditation

Accreditation is requested for PQK and Kwaliteitshuis Fysiotherapie.