What type of instruction is used to focus the patient's attention on a specifically desired action?

Demonstration is the type of instruction that effectively focuses a patient's attention on a specifically desired action. By showing the patient how to perform a movement or exercise, a physical therapy aide can provide a clear visual reference for what is expected. This method helps to make the instructions more concrete, allowing the patient to understand not just the mechanics of the action, but also the nuances involved in executing it correctly. Visual learning can be particularly effective in rehabilitation settings, where patients may benefit from seeing an action modeled before attempting it themselves.

While other methods like explanation, repetition, or feedback are valuable in the therapeutic context, they serve different purposes. For instance, explanations clarify why an action is performed, repetition solidifies learning through practice, and feedback provides information on performance and ways to improve. Demonstration stands out because it delivers the information directly, creating a visual cue that can enhance comprehension and retention in the patient's mind.