Rehabilitation and plasticity

Abstract

Therapies for effective neurorehabiltiation are in part based on brain mechanism commonly described as neuroplasticity. These therapeutic approaches emphasize the re-learning of functionality that was lost due to the injury through reorganization of neural circuits in the remaining intact tissue. Important elements of these therapies are intensive and repetitive training, motivation and potentially interactive devices (therapy 'robots') and supportive therapies such as brain stimulation or plasticity inducing medications. Because neuroplasticity-based interventions are complex and multifactorial optimized treatment protocols have to be developed before large clinical trials can provide the evidence of efficacy. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.