title: Neuroplasticity and its applications for rehabilitation.
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.
authors.affiliation: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. James_young@rush.edu
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Margarita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tolentino
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D015225:Magnetoencephalography; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D020127:Recovery of Function; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation