Evidence for Training-Dependent Structural Neuroplasticity in Brain-Injured Patients: A Critical Review

We don't want guided treatment, we want results you blithering lazy idiots. GET THERE AND NO EXCUSES.
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1545968317753076 

Show all authors

Karen Caeyenberghs, PhD¹

Karen Caeyenberghs

1Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
See all articles by this author

Search Google Scholar for this author

, Adam Clemente¹*

Adam Clemente

1Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
See all articles by this author

Search Google Scholar for this author

, Phoebe Imms¹

Phoebe Imms

1Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
See all articles by this author

Search Google Scholar for this author

,

Gary Egan, PhD²

Gary Egan

2Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
See all articles by this author

Search Google Scholar for this author

, Darren R. Hocking, PhD³

Darren R. Hocking

3La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
See all articles by this author

Search Google Scholar for this author

, Alexander Leemans, PhD⁴

Alexander Leemans

4University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
See all articles by this author

Search Google Scholar for this author

, Claudia Metzler-Baddeley, PhD⁵

Claudia Metzler-Baddeley

5Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
See all articles by this author

Search Google Scholar for this author

, Derek K. Jones, PhD⁵

Derek K. Jones

5Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
See all articles by this author

Search Google Scholar for this author

, Peter H. Wilson, PhD¹

Peter H. Wilson

1Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
See all articles by this author

Search Google Scholar for this author

...

First Published January 22, 2018 Review Article

https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968317753076

Download PDF	Article information

Article Information

Article first published online: January 22, 2018

https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968317753076

Karen Caeyenberghs, PhD¹, Adam Clemente¹*, Phoebe Imms¹, Gary Egan, PhD², Darren R. Hocking, PhD³, Alexander Leemans, PhD⁴, Claudia Metzler-Baddeley, PhD⁵, Derek K. Jones, PhD⁵, Peter H. Wilson, PhD¹

¹Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

²Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

³La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

⁴University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands

⁵Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

Corresponding Author: Karen Caeyenberghs, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Parade, Melbourne, Victoria 3065, Australia. Email: karen.caeyenberghs@acu.edu.au

*Shared first author.

• Abstract
• Full Text
• References
• Supplementary Materials
• PDF

Abstract

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is associated with a range of cognitive and motor deficits, and poses a significant personal, societal, and economic burden. Rehabilitation programs are available that target motor skills or cognitive functioning. In this review, we summarize the existing evidence that training may enhance structural neuroplasticity in patients with ABI, as assessed using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based techniques that probe microstructure or morphology. Twenty-five research articles met key inclusion criteria. Most trials measured relevant outcomes and had treatment benefits that would justify the risk of potential harm. The rehabilitation program included a variety of task-oriented movement exercises (such as facilitation therapy, postural control training), neurorehabilitation techniques (such as constraint-induced movement therapy) or computer-assisted training programs (eg, Cogmed program). The reviewed studies describe regional alterations in white matter architecture and/or gray matter volume with training. Only weak-to-moderate correlations were observed between improved behavioral function and structural changes. While structural MRI is a powerful tool for detection of longitudinal structural changes, specific measures about the underlying biological mechanisms are lacking. Continued work in this field may potentially see structural MRI metrics used as biomarkers to help guide treatment at the individual patient level.