Optimising rehabilitation potential after stroke: a 24-hour interdisciplinary approach
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Authors
Aries, Alison
Issue Date
2014-12-14
Journal
Type
Review
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Keywords
Stroke rehabilitation
Stroke
Rehabilitation
Neuroplasticity
Relearning
Sensory stimulation
Interdisciplinary team
Recovery
Motivation
Nurses
Professional role
24-hour care
Motor learning
Cortical reorganisation
Stroke
Rehabilitation
Neuroplasticity
Relearning
Sensory stimulation
Interdisciplinary team
Recovery
Motivation
Nurses
Professional role
24-hour care
Motor learning
Cortical reorganisation
Journal Title
British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing
Volume
10
Issue
6
Begin page
268
End page
Abstract
Approximately 150 000 people in the UK experience a stroke each year, often resulting in complex disability. Restoration of sensorimotor function after stroke involves processes of relearning and neuroplasticity. Different mechanisms by which neuroplasticity can occur post stroke include dendritic sprouting, unmasking of previously inactive synapses, synaptogenesis, long-term potentiation and cortical reorganisation. To optimise recovery potential, rehabilitation strategies which promote neuroplasticity and recovery post stroke through sensorimotor retraining should involve: an enriched environment, social interaction, opportunities for repetition and practice of movement and functional activities involving paretic limbs, sensory stimulation to paretic limbs, and early activity out of bed. A rehabilitation culture of 24-hour care should be fostered within an interdisciplinary team; nursing staff are ideally placed to coordinate this approach and motivate stroke survivors, to enhance recovery, in collaboration with specialist therapists in the team. This could be facilitated by flexibility of professional roles and traditional working patterns.
Citation
Aries AM and Hunter SM. Optimising rehabilitation potential after stroke: a 24-hour interdisciplinary approach. British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing; 10 (6) 2014. doi.org/10.12968/bjnn.2014.10.6.268