Advances in Exercise-Induced Neurogenesis, Neuronal and Functional Adaptations in Neurorehabilitation

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advancements in neurorehabilitation have spotlighted the transformative effects of exercise-induced neurogenesis and the accompanying neuronal and functional adaptations. This multifaceted approach to rehabilitation holds promise for individuals recovering from neurological conditions, offering a holistic perspective on recovery.

Exercise-induced neurogenesis, involving the generation of new neurons stimulated by physical activity, stands as a cornerstone in this paradigm. Studies indicate that exercise not only fosters the birth of new neurons in the brain but also promotes their integration into existing neural networks. This process contributes to enhanced cognitive function and may play a pivotal role in neurological recovery.

Beyond neurogenesis, neurorehabilitation embraces neuronal adaptations, encompassing structural and connectivity changes within the nervous system. Exercise has been shown to induce neuroplasticity, modifying the strength and efficiency of neural connections. This adaptability of the nervous system proves crucial in optimizing motor skills, facilitating learning, and improving overall neurological function.

The integration of exercise-induced neurogenesis and its associated neuronal and functional adaptations marks a significant stride in neurorehabilitation. This comprehensive approach addresses not only the biological aspects of recovery but also extends its impact to the practical facets of individuals' lives.

The objective of this Topic is to present the most recent advancements in the field of neurorehabilitation, transitioning from a biomolecular perspective to practical clinical approaches.

Dr. Carlos Bernal-Utrera
Prof. Dr. Cleofas Rodriguez-Blanco
Dr. Maria Livia Carrascal Moreno
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Biomedicines biomedicines	3.9	5.2	2013	14.6 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	8.1	2000	16.8 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Journal of Clinical Medicine jcm	3.0	5.7	2012	16 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Medicina medicina	2.4	3.3	1920	17.1 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Neurology International neurolint	3.2	3.7	2009	26.5 Days	CHF 1600	Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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All Biomedicines IJMS JCM Medicina Neurology International

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12 pages, 662 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Combined Whole-Body Vibration and Intensive Therapeutic Exercise on Functional Capacity in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Iñigo Monzón-Tobalina, Rosa María Ortiz-Gutiérrez, Ángela Concepción Álvarez-Melcón, Álvaro Pérez-Somarriba, Patricia Martín-Casas and María José Díaz-Arribas

Medicina 2025, 61(5), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61050873 - 9 May 2025

Viewed by 68

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy presents controversial evidence regarding its effectiveness in improving lower limb functional capacity in children with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly when applied continuously as an adjunct to a physiotherapy program with demonstrated efficacy. This study aimed to [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy presents controversial evidence regarding its effectiveness in improving lower limb functional capacity in children with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly when applied continuously as an adjunct to a physiotherapy program with demonstrated efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adding WBV to an intensive therapeutic exercise and functional training program in improving lower limb functional capacity in children with spastic CP. Materials and Methods: Thirty children with spastic CP were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. Both groups completed a 4-week intensive therapeutic exercise and functional training program (4 sessions/week). The experimental group additionally received daily WBV. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all analysed variables at 1, 2, and 6 months post-treatment (p < 0.001). However, no significant between-group differences were found for primary (GMFM-88 D: p = 0.80; GMFM-88 E: p = 0.91) or secondary outcomes in relation to muscle tone and strength, and balance. A trend toward greater improvement was observed in the experimental group but without statistical significance. Conclusions: The addition of WBV to an intensive program of therapeutic exercise and functional training does not yield additional benefits in motor function, spasticity, gait capacity, lower limb muscle strength, or balance compared to intensive physiotherapy and functional training alone in children with spastic CP. The significant within-group improvements can be attributed to the intensive physiotherapy intervention, comprising therapeutic exercises and functional training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Exercise-Induced Neurogenesis, Neuronal and Functional Adaptations in Neurorehabilitation)

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12 pages, 1354 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Impact of Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease: Does It Affect Rehabilitation Outcomes?

by Margherita Canesi, Lorenzo Lippi, Simone Rivaroli, Daniele Vavassori, Marta Trenti, Francesco Sartorio, Nicoletta Meucci, Alessandro de Sire, Chiara Siri and Marco Invernizzi

Medicina 2024, 60(6), 927; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060927 - 1 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2255

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Although the growing literature is now focusing on the long-term effects of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson’s disease (PD), there is still a large gap of knowledge about its long-term implications in rehabilitation. Therefore, this study aimed at [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Although the growing literature is now focusing on the long-term effects of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson’s disease (PD), there is still a large gap of knowledge about its long-term implications in rehabilitation. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effects of rehabilitation in PD patients years after DBS implantation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective case–control study analyzed records from Moriggia-Pelascini Hospital, Italy from September 2022 to January 2024. Data of PD patients (n = 47) with (DBS group, n = 22) and without (control group, n = 25) DBS were considered. All study participants underwent a daily rehabilitation program lasting four weeks, including warm-up, aerobic exercises, strength training, postural exercises, and proprioceptive activities. The outcomes assessed were the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 6 Min Walk Test (6MWT), and Self-Assessment Parkinson Disease Scale (SPDDS). Results: DBS group showed significant improvements in terms of all outcome measures after the rehabilitation intervention (UPDRS III: −7.0 (−11.5 to −1.0); p = 0.001; UPDRS I II IV: −12.0 (−19.0 to −4.5); p = 0.001; BBS: 7.0 (3.8 to 10.3); p < 0.001; TUG (s): −2.8 (−5.7 to −1.1); p < 0.001; SPDDS: −8 (−13.0 to −4.0); p < 0.001; 6MWT (m): 81 (37.3 to 132.3); p < 0.001). No differences were reported in the between-group analysis (p: NS). Conclusions: This study emphasizes positive rehabilitation effects on PD patients irrespective of DBS status. Further research is essential to elucidate long-term effects of DBS on rehabilitation outcomes of PD patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Exercise-Induced Neurogenesis, Neuronal and Functional Adaptations in Neurorehabilitation)

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18 pages, 2513 KiB  

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Influence of High-Intensity Interval Training on Neuroplasticity Markers in Post-Stroke Patients: Systematic Review

by Gines Montero-Almagro, Carlos Bernal-Utrera, Noelia Geribaldi-Doldán, Pedro Nunez-Abades, Carmen Castro and Cleofas Rodriguez-Blanco

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(7), 1985; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13071985 - 29 Mar 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3321

Abstract

Background: Exercise has shown beneficial effects on neuronal neuroplasticity; therefore, we want to analyze the influence of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on neuroplasticity markers in post-stroke patients. Methods: A systematic review of RCTs including studies with stroke participants was conducted using the following [...] Read more.

Background: Exercise has shown beneficial effects on neuronal neuroplasticity; therefore, we want to analyze the influence of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on neuroplasticity markers in post-stroke patients. Methods: A systematic review of RCTs including studies with stroke participants was conducted using the following databases (PubMed, LILACS, ProQuest, PEDro, Web of Science). Searches lasted till (20/11/2023). Studies that used a HIIT protocol as the main treatment or as a coadjutant treatment whose outcomes were neural plasticity markers were used and compared with other exercise protocols, controls or other kinds of treatment. Studies that included other neurological illnesses, comorbidities that interfere with stroke or patients unable to complete a HIIT protocol were excluded. HIIT protocol, methods to assess intensity, neuroplasticity markers (plasmatic and neurophysiological) and other types of assessments such as cognitive scales were extracted to make a narrative synthesis. Jadad and PEDro scales were used to assess bias. Results: Eight articles were included, one included lacunar stroke (less than 3 weeks) and the rest had chronic stroke. The results found here indicate that HIIT facilitates neuronal recovery in response to an ischemic injury. This type of training increases the plasma concentrations of lactate, BDNF and VEGF, which are neurotrophic and growth factors involved in neuroplasticity. HIIT also positively regulates other neurophysiological measurements that are directly associated with a better outcome in motor learning tasks. Conclusions: We conclude that HIIT improves post-stroke recovery by increasing neuroplasticity markers. However, a limited number of studies have been found indicating that future studies are needed that assess this effect and include the analysis of the number of intervals and their duration in order to maximize this effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Exercise-Induced Neurogenesis, Neuronal and Functional Adaptations in Neurorehabilitation)

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