Neuroplasticity and learning lead a new era in stroke rehabilitation

Abstract

Novel insights into how the brain adapts with recovery and experience, together with advances in learning theory, provide a strong foundation for the development of rehabilitation approaches that aim to restore lost capacity and improve clinical outcome following stroke. The value of rehabilitation and need to adopt rehabilitation methods based on clinical and basic science has intensified over the past decade (Selzer et al, 2006). As therapists we need to contribute to this knowledge and adopt more restorative, learning-based approaches to intervention.