Petra Pohl
Linkoping University, Sweden
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Neurol Neurophysiol
Introduction: Neurological rehabilitation typically involves training to optimize functional motor control,
cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength and endurance. Research in this field has advanced significantly and
there has been a remarkable development over the last 15 years. Experimental research on rodents and neuroimaging
studies has provided insights into several aspects of experience dependent neural plasticity, i.e., possible mechanisms
of structural and functional neural reorganisation in the brain following injury. This line of research has enlightened
us on the effects of rehabilitation training on central nervous system physiology. Multimodal interventions that
are based on principles of environmental enrichment facilitate enhanced sensory, cognitive and motor stimulation
having clinical relevance to a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Effects have been found in brain
disorders such as stroke, Parkinsonâ??s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Down syndrome and various forms of
brain injury. The purpose is to describe the usability of multimodal interventions within neurological rehabilitation.
Methods: Experiences from two community based clinical trials with stroke survivors and people with Parkinsonâ??s
disease will be shared, including findings from individual interviews.
Conclusion and significance: When designing neuro rehabilitation interventions, the principles of environmental
enrichment may be implemented in order to optimize the efficacy of experience-dependent neuroplasticity after
brain lesions.
E-mail: petra.pohl@liu.se
