Neuroplasticity is a fancy word to describe the brain's ability to change and adapt by forming new neural connections.
Neuroplasticity is a critical principle in stroke recovery, here's why:
1. Use It or Lose It
Your brain is a network of neural circuits. Neural circuits that remain inactive for an extended period of time will degrade and impact brain function.
2. Use It and Improve It
Skill training can strengthen neural circuits over time and can lead to enhanced function.
3. Specificity
Specific forms of neural plasticity and behavior changes are dependent upon specific kinds of experiences and impact different parts of the brain. Therefore, the more specific the skill training, the better.
4. Repetition Matters
Repetition of newly learned or relearned behaviors is required to trigger lasting neural changes. The more you practice a skill or behavior, the better.
5. Intensity Matters
There has to be a "just right challenge" in the duration of training or number of repetitions to induce neural changes. However, this can often be a delicate balance as over-use of the affected extremity can cause further impairments or worsen function.
6. Time Matters
Different forms of plasticity occur at different times during training. There are times during your recovery when you may see a faster rate of improvement and other times when it may seem slower. This is normal.
7. Salience Matters
The term salience simply refers the "importance" or "meaningfulness" of task. If there is some perceived or actual reward or benefit of engaging in any training experience, the more likely that it will be encoded and induce plasticity.
8. Age Matters
In this case, age is more than just a number. It is true that younger brains are more plastic and adaptable to change. However, it is important to know that the human brain is powerful and capable of change throughout the lifespan.
9. Transference Plasticity
Neuroplasticity in response to one training experience can enhance acquisition of similar functional task performance. This is great news and allows your to focus on the experiences that are most important to you while remaining hopeful that some of those learned skills will transfer to other areas of your life.
10. Interference Plasticity
Neuroplasticity can be both good and bad. Because the brain is malleable and adaptable to change it can be change in a way that is beneficial or detrimental. Stroke survivors may develop "bad habits" as a way to compensate for their difficulties, which can impact the learning of new, more effective skills or strategies. This is what we refer to as interference, which means that sometimes recovery may require a period of "unlearning" those acquired "bad habits."
The biggest take away from this blog post is that the brain is powerful and adaptable, but change does take time and effort. It is important to stay encouraged and continuously practice the skills and behaviors that are most meaningful to you!
To learn more: https://www.jsmf.org/meetings/2008/may/Kleim%20&%20Jones%202008.pdf
