Article

Recovery of motor function after stroke involves relearning motor skills and is
mediated by neuroplasticity. Recent research has focused on developing
rehabilitation strategies that facilitate such neuroplasticity to maximize
functional outcome poststroke. Although many molecular signaling pathways are
involved, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has emerged as a key
facilitator of neuroplasticity involved in motor learning and rehabilitation
after stroke. Thus, rehabilitation strategies that optimize BDNF effects on
neuroplasticity may be especially effective for improving motor function
poststroke. Two potential poststroke rehabilitation strategies that consider the
importance of BDNF are the use of aerobic exercise to enhance brain function and
the incorporation of genetic information to individualize therapy. Converging
evidence demonstrates that aerobic exercise increases BDNF production and
consequently enhances learning and memory processes. Nevertheless, a common
genetic variant reduces activity-dependent secretion of the BDNF protein. Thus,
BDNF gene variation may affect response to motor rehabilitation training and
potentially modulate the effects of aerobic exercise on neuroplasticity. This
perspective article discusses evidence that aerobic exercise promotes
neuroplasticity by increasing BDNF production and considers how aerobic exercise
may facilitate the acquisition and retention of motor skills for poststroke
rehabilitation. Next, the impact of the BDNF gene val66met polymorphism on motor
learning and response to rehabilitation is explored. It is concluded that the
effects of aerobic exercise on BDNF and motor learning may be better exploited if
aerobic exercise is paired more closely in time with motor training.
Additionally, information about BDNF genotype could provide insight into the type
and magnitude of effects that aerobic exercise may have across individuals and
potentially help guide an individualized prescription of aerobic exercise to
enhance motor rehabilitation poststroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS