PRELIMS: Physiology of Motor Control Flashcards
What is neural plasticity?
Neural plasticity, or neural adaptation, is the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to environmental changes, experiences, behaviors, injuries, or diseases. It involves structural and functional changes in neurons.
What is Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)?
LTP increases the ability of neurons to respond to stimuli. It involves cooperativity, specificity, and associativity, strengthening connections between neurons.
What are the positive outcomes of neuroplasticity?
Positive outcomes include new skills, improved cognition, better communication, enhanced sensory and motor pathways, improved memory, and better function of the aging brain.
What can be the negative outcomes of neuroplasticity?
Negative outcomes include improper wiring leading to decline in brain function, altered motor control, impaired daily activities, and amplified perception of pain.
Explain Principle 1: Use It or Lose It
If a neural circuit is not actively engaged, it will degrade. Continuous use helps retain information and prevent degradation.
Explain Principle 3: Specificity
The nature of the training experience dictates the nature of the plasticity. Training should be specific to the function being targeted.
Explain Principle 7: Salience Matters
Training must be important and purposeful to the patient. Relevance and motivation enhance neural plasticity.
Explain Principle 2: Use It and Improve It
Specific training enhances both function and structure of the neural mechanisms involved in that behavior. More frequent use strengthens the related brain functions.
What is Apoptosis?
Apoptosis is the programmed, active cell death where neurons are systematically removed by the brain. We lose 1.5-3 million neurons a day.
Explain Principle 5: Intensity Matters
Training intensity must be sufficient to promote plasticity. The exercises should challenge the patient but remain achievable to be effective.
Explain Principle 10: Interference
Changes in neural function can impede the development of other skills. Therapy must be balanced to avoid negative impacts on retained functions
What are the steps for brain remodeling in neuroplasticity?
Steps include repetition of movement, correct fundamentals, salience to the patient, memory, foundation movements, and training in an authentic environment.
Explain Principle 4: Repetition Matters
Induction of plasticity requires sufficient repetition. Repeated practice strengthens motor programs and consolidates skills.
Explain Principle 6: Time Matters
Different forms of plasticity may occur at different times. Early intervention is crucial, but time delays can also establish compensatory behaviors that may interfere with rehabilitation.
What are the two types of neuronal death?
Apoptosis (active cell death) and Necrosis (passive cell death caused by injury).
What is Transneural Degeneration?
Transneural Degeneration is a cascading effect where the neuron connected to the injured neuron also dies, leading to further neuronal loss.
Explain Principle 8: Age Matters
Younger brains exhibit greater plasticity but can be more vulnerable to developmental impacts. Older individuals still show plasticity but may adapt more slowly.
What is Necrosis?
Necrosis is passive cell death due to injury or trauma. It often leads to damage and death of surrounding neurons.
Explain Principle 9: Transference
Improvement in one neural circuit can influence other circuits. Training in one area can benefit related or adjacent areas.
What is Anterograde Degeneration?
Anterograde Degeneration involves the distal segment of an axon and recovery is possible. Sprouting can occur in response to injury.
What is Retrograde Degeneration?
Retrograde Degeneration involves the death of the cell body and proximal axon. It can lead to transneural degeneration, affecting connected neurons.
What is Synaptic Plasticity?
Synaptic plasticity refers to changes in the strength of connections between synapses, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD).
