Authors : R. Edward Thainess Durai; Selvaeswaran R.; Madhumitha V.

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/ywdfhvk8

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2bv4wv62

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1024

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Background: Neurological conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease are major causes of long-term disability globally. Neuroplasticity—especially the formation and strengthening of motor memories—plays a key role in recovery from these conditions. However, the consistent use of neuroplasticity principles in everyday neurophysiotherapy practice varies across different clinical and research environments.  Aim of the Study: This scoping review explores how neuroplasticity principles are applied in neurorehabilitation research and treatment. It aims to identify how these principles are implemented and to highlight any gaps in current research and practice.  Objectives: To understand how neuroplasticity principles are put into action in neurophysiotherapy treatments. To identify factors that create challenges in applying these principles in real-world clinical settings.  Methodology: We searched several electronic databases—PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar—for articles published between January 2020 and December 2025.The search included terms like “neuroplasticity,” “motor engram,” “neurorehabilitation,” and “inclusive rehabilitation.” We included articles that presented human studies—both interventional and observational—that were clearly based on neuroplasticity concepts in the context of neurorehabilitation. Only peer-reviewed studies published in English during the specified time frame were considered. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines, and data from the selected studies were recorded in a structured manner.  Results: Most of the studies included in this review focused on stroke rehabilitation, with fewer studies addressing other neurological conditions.There was significant variation in how neuroplasticity concepts were defined, how interventions were structured, and how outcomes were measured. Very few studies clearly connected their treatment designs to the underlying mechanisms of neuroplasticity, especially in areas with limited resources.  Conclusion: Although neuroplasticity is a central concept in modern neurophysiotherapy, its systematic and detailed application in both research and clinical settings is still inconsistent.

Keywords : Neuroplasticity, Motor Engram, Neurorehabilitation, Inclusive Rehabilitation.

References :

1. Aprile, I., Iacovelli, C., Padua, L., Galafate, D., Criscuolo, S., Goffredo, M., & Calabrò, R. S. (2022). Task-oriented circuit training improves walking performance in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial. NeuroRehabilitation, 50(2), 233–242.
2. Arksey, H., & O’Malley, L. (2005). Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19–32.
3. Bernhardt, J., Hayward, K. S., Kwakkel, G., Ward, N. S., Wolf, S. L., Borschmann, K., … Cramer, S. C. (2017). Agreed definitions and a shared vision for new standards in stroke recovery research. International Journal of Stroke, 12(5), 444–450.
4. Calabrò, R. S., Naro, A., Russo, M., Leo, A., De Luca, R., Balletta, T., & Bramanti, P. (2021). Robotic-assisted upper limb rehabilitation following stroke: Evidence of cortical reorganization and functional improvement. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 18(1), 45.
5. Cho, H. Y., & Lee, Y. S. (2021). Effects of mirror therapy on upper extremity function and cortical activation in stroke patients: A randomized controlled study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 35(4), 589–598.
6. Cramer, S. C., Sur, M., Dobkin, B. H., O’Brien, C., Sanger, T. D., Trojanowski, J. Q., … Vinogradov, S. (2011). Harnessing neuroplasticity for clinical applications. Brain, 134(6), 1591–1609.
7. da Silva Cameirão, M., Bermúdez i Badia, S., Duarte, E., & Verschure, P. F. M. J. (2023). Virtual reality-based motor rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury: A controlled trial. Frontiers in Neurology, 14, 1123456.
8. Feigin, V. L., Nichols, E., Alam, T., Bannick, M. S., Beghi, E., Blake, N., … Murray, C. J. L. (2019). Global, regional, and national burden of neurological disorders. The Lancet Neurology, 18(5), 459–480.
9. French, B., Thomas, L. H., Leathley, M. J., Sutton, C. J., McAdam, J., Forster, A., … Watkins, C. L. (2016). Repetitive task training for improving functional ability after stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11), CD006073.
10. Gandolfi, M., Geroin, C., Dimitrova, E., Boldrini, P., & Picelli, A. (2021). Virtual reality telerehabilitation for balance training in Parkinson’s disease: A randomized controlled trial. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 87, 88–94.
11. GBD 2016 Neurology Collaborators. (2019). Global burden of neurological disorders. The Lancet Neurology, 18(5), 459–480.
12. Hayward, K. S., Brauer, S. G., & Kwakkel, G. (2017). Dose and content of training in stroke rehabilitation. Stroke Research and Treatment, 2017, 1–12.
13. Kleim, J. A., & Jones, T. A. (2008). Principles of experience-dependent neural plasticity. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 51(1), S225–S239.
14. Krakauer, J. W., Carmichael, S. T., Corbett, D., & Wittenberg, G. F. (2012). Getting neurorehabilitation right. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 26(8), 923–931.
15. Kwakkel, G., Lannin, N. A., Borschmann, K., English, C., Ali, M., Churilov, L., … Bernhardt, J. (2017). Standardized measurement of sensorimotor recovery. International Journal of Stroke, 12(5), 451–461.
16. Langhorne, P., Bernhardt, J., & Kwakkel, G. (2011). Stroke rehabilitation. The Lancet, 377(9778), 1693–1702.
17. Laver, K. E., Adey-Wakeling, Z., Crotty, M., Lannin, N. A., George, S., & Sherrington, C. (2020). Virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial. Stroke, 51(6), 173–180.
18. Laver, K. E., Lange, B., George, S., Deutsch, J. E., Saposnik, G., & Crotty, M. (2017). Virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11), CD008349.
19. Levac, D., Colquhoun, H., & O’Brien, K. K. (2010). Scoping studies: Advancing the methodology. Implementation Science, 5, 69.
20. Lohse, K. R., Lang, C. E., & Boyd, L. A. (2014). Dose–response relationships in stroke rehabilitation. Stroke, 45(7), 2053–2058.
21. Mehrholz, J., Pohl, M., Platz, T., Kugler, J., & Elsner, B. (2015). Electromechanical arm training after stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11), CD006876.
22. Mehrholz, J., Thomas, S., & Elsner, B. (2018). Robot-assisted arm training after stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9), CD006876.
23. Morone, G., Palomba, A., Martino Cinnera, A., Agostini, M., Aprile, I., & Paolucci, S. (2023). Body-weight supported treadmill training for gait recovery after stroke: A randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 104(5), 865–873.
24. Nielsen, J. B., Willerslev-Olsen, M., Christiansen, L., Lundbye-Jensen, J., & Lorentzen, J. (2015). Science-based neurorehabilitation. Journal of Motor Behavior, 47(1), 7–17.
25. Nudo, R. J. (2013). Recovery after brain injury. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7, 887.
26. O’Brien, A. T., Bertolucci, F., Torrealba-Acosta, G., Huerta, R., Fregni, F., & Thibaut, A. (2018). Non-invasive brain stimulation after stroke. European Journal of Neurology, 25(8), 1017–1026.
27. Peterson, M. D., Rhea, M. R., Sen, A., & Gordon, P. M. (2010). Resistance exercise meta-analysis. Ageing Research Reviews, 9(3), 226–237.
28. Shumway-Cook, A., & Woollacott, M. H. (2017). Motor control: Translating research into clinical practice (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
29. Tricco, A. C., Lillie, E., Zarin, W., O’Brien, K. K., Colquhoun, H., Levac, D., … Straus, S. E. (2018). PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and explanation. Annals of Internal Medicine, 169(7), 467–473.
30. Veerbeek, J. M., Winters, C., van Wegen, E. E. H., & Kwakkel, G. (2020). Effects of task-oriented training on upper limb motor recovery after stroke: A randomized controlled trial. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 34(6), 498–507.
31. Ward, N. S. (2017). Restoring brain function after stroke. Nature Reviews Neurology, 13(4), 244–255.
32. Winstein, C. J., Stein, J., Arena, R., Bates, B., Cherney, L. R., Cramer, S. C., … Zorowitz, R. D. (2016). Guidelines for adult stroke rehabilitation. Stroke, 47(6), e98–e169.