In order to help the brain re-pattern with more effective movement patterns, certain conditions need to be present in order to facilitate this process.
One of the conditions, and it’s a big one, is “Movement with Attention”. Most experts agree that movement (often referred to as “exercise”) is central to our health and well being. It is important to note that movement alone, done repetitiously, without attention, does not provide the brain with any new information. In fact, movement done in this way will only help to groove already existing brain patterns more deeply. Research shows that as soon as we bring attention to our movements, the brain resumes growing new connections and creating new neural pathways. This in turn helps us create new possibilities for ourselves.
A second key condition is “Reducing the Effort”. We can only do fast what we already know. In order to begin creating new movement patterns, we need to be able to feel what it is that we are doing. In order to do that, we need to move slowly.
Here we discuss the importance of the Weber-Fechner Law, and how it can be applied to refining human functioning. By reducing our efforts, kinesthetic-sensory acuity is improved and it becomes possible for a person to make fine distinctions about what they are doing and to become aware of unconscious or unknown aspects of their physical organization, movement, and action.
Through this practical application of the Weber-Fechner Law to functional movement, we have the means for optimizing learning, improvement and rehabilitation.