Neuroplasticity and

Rehabilitation

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Introduction:
Neuroplasticity, also known as brain
plasticity and neural plasticity, is the ability of the
brain to change throughout an individual's life, e.g.,
brain activity associated with a given function can be
transferred to a different location.

"Neural Plasticity". 2012 Journal Citation Reports

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Types:
There are two main types of neuroplasticity:

• structural plasticity- Structural plasticity occurs when

neurons grow new axons and altering the structure of
the neural network.

• synaptic plasticity - changes in the strengths of

connections between neurons.
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Structural plasticity upon learning: regulation and functions Flavio Donato & Dominique
Muller, Nature Reviews Neuroscience 2012 Jul; 13, 478-490 4
Goals of Rehabilitation:

• 1. Strengthen and develop normal synapses.

• 2. Guide axonal sprouting.
• 3. Facilitate unmasking of alternative or previously
subservient pathways.

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PRINCIPLES OF REHABILITATION:
• Representation of the body parts in the brain compete and use of a
body part can enhance its representation.

• The contralesional hemisphere can take over motor control if all else
fails.

• Neuroplastic mechanisms can be facilitated and this is a good basis

for intervention.

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Methods:
1. Constraintinduced (CI) movement therapy:

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2. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

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4. Virtual reality training:

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3. Robot-enhanced training.

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5. Repetitive bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory clues.

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References:
• 1. Sanes JN, Suner S, Donoghue JP. Dynamic organization of primary
motor cortex output to target muscles in adult rats. I. Long-term
patterns of reorganization following motor or mixed peripheral nerve
lesions. Exp Brain Res. 1990;79(3):479–91.
• 2. Malenka RC, Bear MF. LTP and LTD: An embarrassment of riches.
Neuron. 2004;44(1):5–21.
• 3. Lippman J, Dunaevsky A. Dendritic spine morphogenesis and
plasticity. J Neurobiol. 2005;64(1):47–57

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Any Questions?

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