Neuroplasticity Flashcards
1
Q
What are the clinical implications of neuroplasticity?
A
- Multiple pathways innervating our motor + sensory cortices
- Dominant pathways show functional activity
- If these are lost, the less dominant pathways can become functional
- Experience + use are important in ensuring these less dominant pathways become functional in the short- and long-term
2
Q
What enhances/effects neuroplasticity?
A
- Use dependent and specific
- Repetition or practice at intensity
- Early intervention is better (first 12 weeks)
- Salience, motivation, feedback and attention
- Environment (sensory, cognitive, social and motor)
- Age, genetics, pharmacology, size of lesion and stress
- Adjunct therapies can prime the motor system to enhance neuroplasticity
3
Q
How does neural plasticity lead into neurological rehabilitation?
A
- Ability of CNS to reorganise after injury or disease
- Task specific
- Salient
- Reps (#100 reps)
- Intensity – suitably changing
4
Q
What are the (6) mechanisms of plasticity?
A
- Denervation
Supersensitivity - Unmasking of silent synapses
- Synaptogenesis
- Collateral sprouting
- Short- and long- term potentiation
- Cortical remapping
5
Q
What is Cortical Remapping?
A
Areas of brain cortex are modifiable by sensory input, experience and learning (as well as response to injury)
6
Q
When may cortical remapping/reorganisation not be possible?
A
When large areas are damaged
7
Q
What can cortical remapping be influenced by?
A
Training
8
Q
What may aid recovery of function (Cortical Remapping)?
A
Ipsilateral motor pathways (uncrossed)
