Neuroplasticity

Introduction

It was once believed that the brain stopped developing after the first few years of life, it was thought that it was only during the early "critical period" as a young child that connections formed between the brains nerve cells which then remained fixed in place as we age. As such it was considered that only young brains were 'plastic' and thus able to form new connections. Because of this belief, scientists also thought that if a particular area of the adult brain was damaged, the nerve cells could not form new connections or regenerate, and the functions controlled by that area of the brain would be permanently lost.

In the book "Principle of Psychology" written over 100 years ago, William James presented the first theory of neuroplasticity, suggesting that the human brain is capable of reorganizing. It was not until 1948 when the term Neuroplasticity was first used by a Polish Neuroscientist named Jerzy Konorski, who suggested that over time neurons that had 'coincidental activation due to the vicinity to the firing neuron would after time create plastic changes in the brain'.  But it was not until the mid to latter half of the 20th century, following a wide range of research which showed that many aspects of the brain remain changeable even into adulthood, that the term Neuroplasticity came to prominence.

Neuroplasticity, also referred to as brain plasticity, is a term used to describe changes to the brain that happen throughout the lifespan in response to new experiences. This notion contrasted with the previous scientific consensus that the brain develops during a critical period in early childhood, then remains relatively unchangeable afterward.

Definitions

A wide range of definitions exist in relation to the term neuroplasticity, some of which look at noral development but others looking more specifically in relation to damage to the central nervous system.

'The ability of the brain to change in structure or function in response to experience'.  

'The capacity of the nervous system for adaptation or regeneration after trauma' .

'The ability of the Central Nervous System to undergo structural and functional change in response to new experiences'. 

Resources

Presentations 

• Neuro Recovery & the Foundation for Rehabilitation - Neuroplasticity. Presentation by Jacqui Ancliffe, Senior Physiotherapiston at the Royal Perth Hospital.
  http://www.healthnetworks.health.wa.gov.au/docs/Neuro_Principles_of_Neurorecovery.pdf
• Neuroplasticity, Motor Learning and it's Application in Rehabilitation. Presentation by Frank Hyland, Vice President Rehabilitation Services and Hospital Administrator at Good Shepard Rehabilitation. http://www.goodshepherdrehab.org/sites/goodshepherdrehab.org/files/images/1_NeuroPlasticiy_2013.pdf
• Basic Knowledge - A Movement Therapy Perspective
  The learning incentives of this slidepool are to understand the neural principles underlying neurorehabilitation, to deepen the knowledge of the key factors which influence recovery and to learn how new technologies can improve therapy by utilizing these key factors.
  http://www.iisartonline.org/fileadmin/education/education_material/sp1_basic_knowlegde_movement_perspective.pptm

Podcasts 

• Neuroplasticity: How the Brain Heals. Norman Doidge talks about the implications of neuroplasticity and his new book 'The Brain's Way of Healing', and from San Jose in California Ian Sample gives a roundup of key issues discussed at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 
  https://www.theguardian.com/science/audio/2015/feb/20/aaas-neuroscience-neuroplasticity-how-the-brain-heals

• Brain Science. Hosted by Dr. Ginger Campbell. Dr. Campbell's podcasts have inteviews from leading researchers on the cutting edges of their respected fields.The podcast are great for learning the latest advances and trends in neuroscience including information on neuroplastisicity. 
  https://brainsciencepodcast.squarespace.com/bsp/?category=Brain+Plasticity

• Imaging and Stimulating Brain Plasticity. Professor Heidi Johansen-Berg gives her inaugural lecture as head of the Plasticity Group at the Oxford Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain (FMRIB).
  https://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/keywords/neuroplasticity
• Neuroplasticity and Genetic Variation Physical Therapy Discussion Podcast. Authors Cameron Mang and Lara Boyd join Steven Wolf and moderator James Carey to discuss the role of aerobic exercise in enhancing neuroplasticity and how genetic variation can affect the response of a patient to poststroke rehabilitation. The group also discusses the amount and intensity of exercise needed to increase BDNF secretion and the future directions for research. http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/ptjournal/suppl/2013/11/21/ptj.20130053.DC1/ptj_201312_discussion_neuroplasticity.mp3

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Recent Related Research (Pubmed)

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