Neuroplasticity

Question 1

Neurogenesis

Answer 1

new cell development from neural stem cells

Question 2

Angiogenesis

Answer 2

blood vessel proliferation ( stimulated by endothelial cells releasing growth factors

Question 3

Neurovascular coupling

Answer 3

spatial and temporal association between blood flow to and activation of neurons (functional MRI)

Question 4

What increases BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor)? What does it do?

Answer 4

aerobic exercise increases BDNF

- facilitates long-term potentiation by promoting dendritic growth and remodeling

Question 5

what is motor control?

Answer 5

the ability to regulate or direct the mechanisms essential to movement

Question 6

discrete vs continuous task

Answer 6

discrete - set start and set end ex: jumping jack

continuous - not defined (arbitrary) start and end ex: walking

Question 7

open-loop vs closed-loop motor control

Answer 7

open-loop - no sensory feedback necessary

closed-loop - afferent information guides movement ex: threading a needle

Question 8

regulatory vs nonregulatory

Answer 8

regulatory - aspects of the environment that shape the movement itself (size, shape, weight of a cup)
nonregulatory - may affect performance but movement does not have to conform to these features (background noise)

Question 9

reflex theory

Answer 9

physical events occurring in the environment served as the stimulus for action, triggering a chain of individual reflex circuits that were responsible for producing a movement response

Question 10

hierarchical theories

Answer 10

all aspects of movement planning and execution are the sole responsibility of one or more cortical centers representing the highest command level with the hierarchy of the CNS.
- This cortical “executor” contains all the information necessary for action and directs lower centers within the NS to carry out the prescribed movement

Question 11

motor programming theory

Answer 11

patterned motor responses can result even in the absence of a sensory stimulus
- More flexible than reflex – can be activated by sensory stimuli or by central processes

Question 12

systems theory

Answer 12

considered not just the nervous system but also the musculoskeletal system and the forces acting on the body
- Synergistic control of movement – muscles are constrained together to act as a unit

Question 13

Dynamic Action Theory - Principle of self organization

Answer 13

when a system of individual parts comes together, its elements behave collectively in an orderly way

Question 14

dynamic action theory - principle of nonlinear behavior

Answer 14

A new configuration of the behavior emerges when a single parameter reaches a critical value
ex: How the horse uses its 4 limbs depends on the speed it is moving

Question 15

dynamic action theory - control parameter

Answer 15

a variable that regulates change in the behavior of the entire system

Question 16

dynamic action theory - attractor states

Answer 16

preferred patterns of movement used to accomplish common activities of daily life

ex: walking at a preferred speed
- enhance stability

Question 17

dynamic action theory - attractor well

Answer 17

the degree to which there is flexibility to change a preferred pattern of movement
- shallow well is easier to change task vs deep well

Question 18

ecological theory

Answer 18

Perception focuses on detecting information in the environment that will support the actions necessary to achieve the goal

ex: height of a step – do we simply step up, hold onto a rail and hike up or crawl up?
- setting up environment is important

Question 19

A PT recommends that the family rearrange a child’s playroom to encourage pulling to standing. She recommends that toys be placed high on the play table.

Answer 19

ecological

Question 20

A PT works on inhibiting the asymmetrical tonic neck (brainstem level) reflex by facilitating head righting reactions (midbrain level).

Answer 20

hierarchical

Question 21

A PT increases the frequency that she is treating a child for when she notices increased variety of movement patterns.

Answer 21

dynamic systems

Question 22

A PT specially designs an orthotic for a patient with a CVA and increased extensor tone and positive support reaction by relieving pressure on the ball of the foot.

Answer 22

reflex

Question 23

PT recommends that a nursing home use different colored and patterns of tile for steps and ramps.

Answer 23

ecological

Question 24

4 concepts of motor learning

Answer 24

• process of acquiring the capability for skilled action
• results from practice
• cannot be measured directly but is inferred from behavior
• produces relatively permanent changes in behavior (riding a bike)

Question 25

To qualify as motor learning, there must be evidence that _______, ________, and/or _______ has occurred

Answer 25

practice, instruction, experience