5 / 24
The Pinecone
|
September 2015 • 5 •
NEUROPLASTICITY?
What i s
There has been increased research focusing on the potential for improved recovery after a stroke. In the past, it was believed
limited functional gains could be obtained. However, there is now hope following a stroke.
The hope of recovery following injury or disease to the brain lies in the term neuroplastisity. Neuroplasticity is the ability of
the brain to form new connections and re-organize throughout life. Research in physical therapy gives hope that activities and
treatments will facilitate plasticity and recovery. An example is body weight supported treadmill training after a stroke which
causes reorganization in motor centers of the brain which leads to improved walking.
There is also research supporting the importance of exercise in our daily lives prior to insult or injury. Exercise is neuroprotective
and therefore increases defenses against cell death, which increases our brain’s ability to respond and adapt to injury. In just
the same way, research shows stopping exercise before injury to the brain may place it at increased risk of degeneration. This
definitively proves that exercise does not just increase physical health, it specifically promotes brain health.
This ability of the brain to change, to be neuroplastic, is the building block of rehabilitation. The type of intervention, intensity
of activity, frequency of exercise are all ways to reorganize the brain’s ability to function. The American Physical Therapy
Association section in Neurology is focused on plasticity, prevention, prediction and participation.
NEUROPLASTICITY
PROVIDES US WITH
A BRAIN THAT CAN ADAPT NOT ONLY
TO CHANGES INFLICTED BY DAMAGE,
BUT
ALLOWS ADAPTATION
TO ANY AND
ALL EXPERIENCES AND CHANGES WE
MAY ENCOUNTER...