title: Adaptation, perceptual learning, and plasticity of brain functions.
abstract: The capacity for functional restitution after brain damage is quite different in the sensory and motor systems. This series of presentations highlights the potential for adaptation, plasticity, and perceptual learning from an interdisciplinary perspective. The chances for restitution in the primary visual cortex are limited. Some patterns of visual field loss and recovery after stroke are common, whereas others are impossible, which can be explained by the arrangement and plasticity of the cortical map. On the other hand, compensatory mechanisms are effective, can occur spontaneously, and can be enhanced by training. In contrast to the human visual system, the motor system is highly flexible. This is based on special relationships between perception and action and between cognition and action. In addition, the healthy adult brain can learn new functions, e.g. increasing resolution above the retinal one. The significance of these studies for rehabilitation after brain damage will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Horton
authors.affiliation: Center for Cognitive Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
authors.forename: Manfred
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fahle
authors.affiliation: Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Theo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mulder
authors.affiliation: Vision Rehabilitation Research Unit, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. susanne.trauzettel-klosinski@uni-tuebingen.de.
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2301-7687
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Trauzettel-Klosinski
mesh_terms: D000221:Adaptation, Ocular / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014793:Visual Cortex; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Adaptation; Brain plasticity; Motor cortex; Perceptual learning; Rehabilitation; Visual cortex