Plasticidad Cerebral y Recuperación del Accidente Cerebrovascular

Brain Plasticity and Stroke Recovery

Brain plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, refers to the nervous system's ability to adapt and change in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli. This property is crucial for brain development, homeostasis, sensory training, and recovery from brain lesions, including stroke. In this article, we will explore the role of brain plasticity in stroke recovery, focusing on the therapeutic application of music and other interventions.

Music Therapy for Stroke Rehabilitation

Music has been harnessed therapeutically in various medical scenarios, particularly in stroke rehabilitation. Music therapy has been instrumental in assisting patients in regaining verbal memory and bolstering social interactions. The adaptability of music-based interventions is noteworthy, as they can be tailored to the individual, offering both a progression in therapy and personalization in treatment choice.

One example of music therapy is music-supported therapy, where patients rehabilitate motor functions by playing musical instruments. Playing instruments mandates recurrent, meticulous movements, essential for reinstating motor command [130]. Another intervention is melodic intonation therapy (MIT), which targets non-fluent aphasia patients, aiding their speech recovery. This method capitalizes on the brain's adaptive potential, utilizing unharmed singing capacities to reinvigorate linguistic prowess [131].

Robot-Assisted Physiotherapy and Multidisciplinary Treatment

In addition to music therapy, other therapeutic approaches have shown promise in stroke recovery. Robot-assisted physiotherapy technology has been shown to improve activities of daily living (ADLs) and motor functions in patients with heart infarction [132]. In ischemic stroke scenarios, multidisciplinary combined healthcare management provides a better outcome [133]. By utilizing therapeutic modalities and behavioral-cognitive tests, assessing psychomotor status, and implementing robotic-based therapies, significant results can be obtained.

The Importance of Comprehensive Approaches

All available therapeutic possibilities should be used according to the patient's status for a decrease in morbidity, as well as the patient's ability improvement and reintegration into society [132][133]. Comprehensive approaches, such as combining robot-assisted physiotherapy and music therapy, have shown to be effective in stroke rehabilitation.

The Role of Brain Plasticity in Stroke Recovery

The adaptability of the brain, or brain plasticity, plays a crucial role in stroke recovery. Research has shown that specific parts of the brain, such as the gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus, are involved in semantic access to melodic elements. Activations around primary and secondary auditory cortices, as well as in posterior parietal areas post stimulus onset, are critical for language and music processing. These regions are essential for music therapy interventions, as they help to reconfigure the brain and sharpen various abilities, providing an outstanding avenue as a therapeutic tool in healthcare situations.

Conclusion

Brain plasticity is a fundamental property of nervous systems in all species, and studying it is essential for understanding how the brain works and how to effectively treat brain lesions, such as stroke. By harnessing the brain's adaptive potential through various therapeutic interventions, including music therapy and robot-assisted physiotherapy, we can improve stroke recovery and enhance patient quality of life.