Plasticity in the motor system related to therapy-induced improvement of movement after stroke

Authors:
  • AKAnnett Kunkel
    Annett Kunkel
  • WMWerner Münickel
    Werner Münickel
  • KVKersten Villringer
    Kersten Villringer
  • ETEdward Taub
    Edward Taub
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Abstract
Neuroplasticity might play a beneficial role in the recovery of function after stroke but empirical evidence for this is lacking thus far. Constraint-induced (CI) therapy was used to increase the use of a paretic upper extremity in four hemiparetic stroke patients. Dipole modeling of steady-state movement-related cortical potentials was applied before and after training and 3 months later. The source locations associated with affected hand movement were unusual at follow-up because activation of the ipsilateral hemisphere was found in the absence of mirror movements of the unaffected hand. This long-term change may be considered as an initial demonstration of large-scale neuroplasticity associated with increased use of the paretic limb after application of CI therapy.

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