Abstract
Introduction: In recent decades there has been a special interest in theories that could explain
the regulation of motor control, and their applications. These theories are often based on
models of brain function, philosophically reflecting different criteria on how movement is controlled
by the brain, each being emphasised in different neural components of the movement.
The concept of motor learning, regarded as the set of internal processes associated with practice
and experience that produce relatively permanent changes in the ability to produce motor
activities through a specific skill, is also relevant in the context of neuroscience. Thus, both
motor control and learning are seen as key fields of study for health professionals in the field
of neurorehabilitation.
Development: The major theories of motor control are described, which include, motor programming
theory, systems theory, the theory of dynamic action, and the theory of parallel
distributed processing, as well as the factors that influence motor learning and its applications
in neurorehabilitation.
Conclusions: At present there is no consensus on which theory or model defines the regulations
to explain motor control. Theories of motor learning should be the basis for motor rehabilitation.
The new research should apply the knowledge generated in the fields of control and motor
learning in neurorehabilitation.