[Intensity in the neurorehabilitation of spastic paresis]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2015 Feb;171(2):130-40. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2014.09.011. Epub 2015 Jan 5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Neurorestoration of motor command in spastic paresis requires a double action of stimulation and guidance of central nervous system plasticity. Beyond drug therapies, electrical stimulation and cell therapies, which may stimulate plasticity without precisely guiding it, two interventions seem capable of driving plasticity with a double stimulation and guidance component: the lesion itself (lesion-induced plasticity) and durable behavior modifications (behavior-induced plasticity). Modern literature makes it clear that the intensity of the neuronal and physical training is a primary condition to foster behavior-induced plasticity. When it comes to working on movement, intensity can be achieved by the combination of two key components, one is the difficulty of the trained movement, the other is the number of repetitions or the daily duration of the practice. A number of recent studies shed light on promising recovery prospects, particularly using the emergence of new technologies such as robot-assisted therapy and concepts such as guided self-rehabilitation contracts.

Keywords: Accident vasculaire cérébral; Brain plasticity; Hemiparesis; Hémiparésie; Intensity; Intensité; Plasticité cérébrale; Reeducation; Rééducation; Stroke.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Movement Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Muscle Spasticity / complications
  • Muscle Spasticity / rehabilitation*
  • Neurological Rehabilitation / methods*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Paresis / complications
  • Paresis / rehabilitation*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Time Factors