Symposium: Stroke ManagementNeuroplasticity and Its Applications for RehabilitationYoung, James A MD*; Tolentino, Margarita DOAuthor Information Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL. *Address for correspondence: Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison, Suite 118, Chicago, IL 60612. E-mail: [email protected] American Journal of Therapeutics: January 2011 - Volume 18 - Issue 1 - p 70-80 doi: 10.1097/MJT.0b013e3181e0f1a4 Buy Metrics Abstract Stroke represents a major cause of death and disability. In just the last two decades, science has begun to appreciate the central nervous system's attempts to repair itself through a process termed neuroplasticity. The remodeling is a dynamic process subject to endogenous and exogenous forces. Rehabilitation has started to implement approaches based on objective measures such as diffusion tensor imaging and functional magnetic resonance. Newer modalities such as constraint-induced movement therapy and robotic interventions are being used for both short- and long-term functional gains. This review describes the various studies on neuroplasticity and the variety of interventions now available. © 2011 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
