What is a primary characteristic of motor learning?

Motor learning is fundamentally characterized by a relatively permanent change in skill acquisition and performance resulting from practice or experience. This definition highlights the importance of sustained improvement and adaptability in motor skills over time. Unlike temporary changes in performance or adaptations that do not require practice, motor learning indicates that an individual has integrated new skills or improved existing ones through engagement and repetition.

The focus on permanence is crucial because it distinguishes motor learning from other forms of performance changes, which may be transient or situational. Therefore, the correct choice reflects the core principles of motor learning as it pertains to rehabilitation and development of skills following a stroke or other neurological conditions, emphasizing the long-term benefits gained through systematic practice and refinement of movement patterns.