What type of changes in the environment can progress a movement assessment?

Choosing an unstable surface to progress a movement assessment is effective because it actively challenges the individual's balance, coordination, and proprioceptive abilities. In rehabilitation and movement analysis, utilizing an unstable surface encourages the participant to engage more muscle groups and develop greater neural pathways related to stability and movement control. This results in an increased demand on the neuromuscular system, which can promote improvements in overall functional movement patterns.

Using an unstable surface may enhance motor learning strategies, enabling the individual to adapt and refine their movement strategies as they respond to the unpredictability of their environment. Deliberately increasing the complexity of the task—such as transitioning from a stable to an unstable surface—can lead to enhanced physical performance and better transfer of skills to real-life situations. This aligns particularly well with rehabilitation goals in stroke patients, where improving adaptive responses can be crucial for daily functioning.

In contrast, a quieter environment, stable surface, or familiar environment might not provide as significant a challenge to the motor system. While these aspects can be beneficial for creating a baseline assessment or ensuring focus during initial assessments, they do not stimulate the same level of adaptive response and motor learning that an unstable surface can foster during the progress of a movement assessment.