How can a therapist force calibration in a patient?

Holding the patient accountable for homework is an effective way to force calibration because it encourages the patient to practice beyond the therapy sessions and applies the learned concepts in real-life situations. This accountability fosters a greater understanding of their movements and increases awareness of their performance. As patients commit to continuing their practice at home, they become more conscious of their movements and can self-assess their progress, thereby calibrating their efforts according to the goals set during therapy.

Through homework assignments, therapists can specify the parameters that need focus, promoting a clearer understanding of the necessary movement patterns and reinforcing the importance of carrying over therapeutic techniques into daily activities. This ongoing practice helps patients develop a finer sense of their abilities and limitations, which is critical in the calibration process.

In contrast, increasing the difficulty of exercises, allowing small movements during practice, or using less verbal reinforcement can dilute the focus on self-assessment and awareness that accountability inherently promotes. While these methods may be useful in certain contexts, they do not specifically target the calibration process in the same direct manner as promoting patient responsibility for homework does.