In the landmark cat studies, DeLeon found that training to stand allowed standing but not stepping, while training to step allowed stepping but not standing. Which principle of activity-based locomotor training does this best support?

In the landmark cat studies, DeLeon found that training to stand allowed standing but not stepping, while training to step allowed stepping but not standing. Which principle of activity-based locomotor training does this best support?

• A. Adaptability
• B. Task specificity
• C. Sensory cueing
• D. Maximizing loading

Answer: (B)

Task specificity means that training improves the exact task you practice, with limited transfer to other tasks. In DeLeon’s cat studies, training to stand improved standing ability and weight bearing but did not enable stepping, while training to step improved stepping but did not enhance standing. This shows that the neural circuits and motor patterns used for standing are distinct from those used for stepping, and that practice strengthens the specific circuits engaged by the practiced task. The pattern demonstrates that gains from activity-based locomotor training are task-specific rather than generic across all locomotor functions. The other ideas would predict broader transfer or rely on cues or loading, but the results highlight improvements tied to the particular task trained.

Task specificity means that training improves the exact task you practice, with limited transfer to other tasks. In DeLeon’s cat studies, training to stand improved standing ability and weight bearing but did not enable stepping, while training to step improved stepping but did not enhance standing. This shows that the neural circuits and motor patterns used for standing are distinct from those used for stepping, and that practice strengthens the specific circuits engaged by the practiced task. The pattern demonstrates that gains from activity-based locomotor training are task-specific rather than generic across all locomotor functions. The other ideas would predict broader transfer or rely on cues or loading, but the results highlight improvements tied to the particular task trained.