What is Neuroplasticity?
Neuro = refers to neurons, the nerve cells that are the building blocks of the brain and the nervous system
Plasticity = The brains ability to adapt and rewire in response to experience or following an injury.
Why is this important?
Following an injury (e.g. stroke) or from a neurological condition (e.g. Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis etc) the way the brain functions can change. Using the principles of neuroplasticity, treatment can help to build new connections or pathways in the brain. This can help to relearn movements and skills, improving overall functional ability.
10 Principles of Neuroplasticity (Kleim and Jones):
Use it or lose it: neural pathways need regular reinforcement, or they begin to weaken. Therefore, if a skill is not practiced it becomes harder to do.
Use it and improve it: by reinforcing the pathways through regular practice, the pathways become stronger and ability to complete tasks becomes easier.
Specificity: we need to regularly practice the skills we actually want to learn
Repetition: repetitions strengthen new pathways. A skill needs to be practiced over and over again to change the brain. In general, the more repetitions the better
Intensity: to create a new pathway a task needs to have the right level of challenge - not too easy or too hard.
Time Matters: At different stages of a condition or recovery, different forms of plasticity can occur. This means that at some stages improvement can be fast at other times it will be slower.
Saliance: tasks that are meaningful to the individual completing the task are easier to learn and retain.
Age Matters: A younger brain tends to be more adaptable than an older brain.
HOWEVER: a brain can reorganise pathways and create new connections AT ANY AGE. Therefore, an older person can still make improvements with right therapy.
Transference: learning and practicing skills can improve tasks that require a similar set of skills.
Interference: learnt compensatory habits can interfere with ability to improve or learn new skills.
Physiotherapists are skilled at assessing and treating patients with a wide range of neurological conditions.
Good Country Physiotherapy offers a range of treatment options including: 1: 1 treatment sessions, 1: 1 exercise programs and a range of exercise groups.
If you are living with a neurological condition and need some advice on managing your condition or increasing your activity levels, contact the clinic to talk to our friendly physiotherapists to discuss the best treatment options for you.
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