Dr. Gabriele Wulf and Dr. Rebecca Lewthwaite have published numerous studies in the area of motor skill performance and learning. They co-authored the OPTIMAL Theory of Motor Learning. The theory has important implications for optimizing the training of motor skills in a variety of situations.
Dr. Gabriele Wulf is a Distinguished Professor Emerita in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Dr. Wulf studies factors that influence the learning of motor skills, including attentional focus and motivational variables. Her research has resulted in more than 200 journal articles and book chapters, as well as three books. Dr. Wulf has received various awards for her research, including the Distinguished Scholar Award of the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA) and UNLV’s Barrick Distinguished Scholar Award. She served as the founding editor for Frontiers in Movement Science and Sport Psychology and the Journal of Motor Learning and Development. Dr. Wulf is a former President of NASPSPA and a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology.
Dr. Rebecca Lewthwaite received her PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is Director of Research and Education in Physical Therapy at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Lewthwaite’s research focuses on the role of motivational enhancements (confidence and autonomy support) in motor performance and learning, in a variety of individuals, from those undergoing physical rehabilitation to developing and high-performing athletes. Recent work includes the facilitation of confidence building in individuals recovering from stroke.
Drs. Wulf and Lewthwaite give workshops and presentations to various groups, including coaches, physical and occupational therapists, musicians, etc. Previous speaking engagements include
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Art in Motion
- Asian-South Pacific Association of Sport Psychology
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Association for Body Mapping Education
- Brazilian Congress of Motor Behavior
- International Association for Dance Medicine & Science
- Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Simulation Center, Rochester
- National Academy of Kinesiology
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
- Öresund Symposium on Clinical Skills Training
- PGA National Training Academy
- Physiotherapeutenverband Österreichs
- Professional Ski Instructors of America & American Association of Snowboard Instructors
- Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen
- US Tennis Association
- USA Archery
- Vereinigung der Bobath-Therapeuten Deutschlands
- Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
- World Congress for Physical Therapy
- World Scientific Congress of Golf
- and others
Contact: gabriele.wulf@unlv.edu