In the O’Sullivan chapter 5, it discusses measures of motor learning (pgs 189-192). It seems like the definitions of “adaptability” and “resistance to contextual change” are the exact same thing. Can you explain the difference?

Adaptability and resistance to contextual change are both measures of motor learning.

Adaptability or generalizability is the ability to apply a learned skill to the learning of other, similar tasks. For example, a patient transferring his ability to execute ‘step-ups’ with a step-board in the gym to climbing stairs or curbs.

Resistance to contextual change, on the other hand, is the adaptability required to perform a motor task in an altered environmental situation. For example, a patient who has learned to walk with a cane in an indoor level surface should be able to apply that learning to other new and variable situations e.g. walking with a cane outdoors or on a busy sidewalk.

In summary, while adaptability refers to the ability to perform 2 different but similar tasks, resistance to contextual change refers to the performance of the same task but in different environments or situations.

Reference 1: O’Sullivan S B, Schmitz T J. Improving Functional Outcomes in Physical Rehabilitation. 2016. F A Davis Company. Philadelphia. 2nd Edition. Chapter 1; Framework for clinical decision-making and patient management. Pg 11.