Article

OBJECTIVE: To integrate our functional knowledge in neurorehabilitation with a
greater understanding of commonly held theories and current research in
neuroplasticity.
DESIGN: Literature review.
SETTING: Not applicable.
PARTICIPANTS: Animal and human research. INTERVENTIONS: Interventions specific to
application in humans: constraint-induced movement therapy, transcranial magnetic
stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Cortical excitability, blood oxygen level-dependent signal, and functional
outcomes. RESULTS: There is increasing evidence elucidating the cellular and
molecular mechanisms of plasticity of the nervous system including growth,
modification, degradation, and even death of neurons. Some of these mechanisms
directly correlate with therapy-induced behavioral changes, and all provide an
understanding of the response of the nervous system to altered inputs. The
understanding of neural correlates of behavior can then form the foundation for
more productive, comprehensive interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The focus of recent
research surrounds translational projects aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes.
Knowledge of mechanisms underlying this adaptability is the foundation for our
treatments, diagnoses, and prognoses. The increasing understanding of the
mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity can guide, direct, and focus the practice
of current and future therapies to greater efficacy and better functional
outcomes in clinical rehabilitation.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS