Neuroplasticity and Motor learning

Question 1

Habituation

Answer 1

• Decreased response to repeated, innocuous stimuli

- short term and reversible

Question 2

Long term potentiation

Answer 2

• The strengthening of connection between neurons established over a prolonged period of time
• Requires cooperativity, associativity, and specificity
• “neurons that fire together get wired together”

Question 3

Long term depression

Answer 3

• The reduction in synaptic strength established over a period of time
• This is also important for learning / changing habits
• It is required for unlearning a learned behavior

Question 4

Collateral regrowth

Answer 4

a new pre-synaptic neuron connects to the post-synaptic neuron that lost it’s original pre-synaptic neuron. (a new pre synaptic neuron steps in)

Question 5

Regenerative regrowth

Answer 5

he injured pre-synaptic neuron sprouts to form a connection with a new post-synaptic neuron

Question 6

Axonal regeneration in the PNS

Answer 6

• occurs at 1 mm per day

- regeneration error can cause synkinesis which is involuntary mm contraction

Question 7

Synaptic Effectiveness

Answer 7

• Baseline synapse strength that returns upon resolution of edema, inflammation, etc

Question 8

Denervation hyper-sensitivity

Answer 8

Increase in receptors sensitivity of the post synaptic neuron due to destruction of pre-synaptic neuron

Question 9

Synaptic hyper-effectiveness

Answer 9

ncreased NT release in available pre-synaptic axon terminals after damage resulting in increased stimulation of post-synaptic receptors

Question 10

Unmasking silent synapses

Answer 10

Previously unused synapses become active or disinhibited after damage to other pathways

Question 11

short term vs long term effects of neuroplasticity

Answer 11

• short term: improves efficiency and strength of existing synapse connections
• long term: changes in organization and increased number (density) of connections and synapses

Question 12

Non declarative (implicit) vs declarative (explicit) memory

Answer 12

• non-declarative : Does not require conscious awareness or attention. Movements are reflexive and automatic
• Declarative memory: requires attention and awareness, often involves association of information

Question 13

Discrete motor tasks

Answer 13

obvious beginning and an end

IE squats, LAQ

Question 14

serial motor tasks

Answer 14

series of discrete tasks combined in a particular sequence

IE stand pivot, eating with an utensil

Question 15

continuous motor task

Answer 15

walking, cycle, stairs

Question 16

Three stages of skill acquisition

Answer 16

1. cognitive / novice
2. associative / advanced
3. autonomous / expert

Question 17

characteristics of cognitive / novice stage

Answer 17

• learner: new to task, highly variable performance, requires cognition and attention, many errors occur, will see the most improvements
• therapist: Lots of explanation, demonstration, and physical guidance. Best to use a closed environment, mass/blocked practice, and frequent constructive feedback

Question 18

characteristics of associative / advanced stage

Answer 18

Learner: still needs subtle adjustments, more consistent, improvements more gradually, able to self correct
- therapist: decreased discussion/demonstration/guidance, random practice, open environment, fading feedback

Question 19

characteristics of autonomous / expert stage

Answer 19

• learner: able to perform in all situations/ environment, can perform additional tasks, efficient and confident, less attention required
• therapist: encourages open environment, applies random practice, feedback is summative/bandwidth provided at the end of several trials to allow for self correction

Question 20

what area of the brain does mental practice activate? What does research show?

Answer 20

• supplementary motor area

- enhances motor skill acquisition when paired with physical practice more than physical practice only

Question 21

examples of intrinsic feedback

Answer 21

• proprioceptive, kinesthetic, tactile, visual, or auditory cues
• Received directly by performing a task

Question 22

Knowledge of performance

Answer 22

Information about details of the movement IE quality, pattern, efficiency

Question 23

Knowledge of results feedback

Answer 23

• Information about how much of the goal was achieved
  - Focus on outcomes
  Did the patient succeed or fail?

Question 24

two ways of assessing motor learning

Answer 24

• retention test: performing motor skill to a set standard after a period of time
• transfer test: ability to apply and perform motor skill in a new environment

Question 25

what is bandwidth feed back?

Answer 25

Feedback only given when performance does not meet set standards

Question 26

Use it or lose it principle

Answer 26

• decreased use results in decreased cortical representation

- reallocation of coritcal territory vs total loss of cortical function