"An August 2018 NPR Science Friday show highlighted two captivating real-life stories."? First, a boy who lost 1/6th of his brain, and has learned to live with it beyond and against everyone’s expectations. Second, a healthy human with two functioning arms, to whom a bionic arm (third arm) was attached at their neck, and connected to their brain using neural links (nerves) normally not used for hand-related activities. A total of 14 individuals participated in this study, and all of them were able to perform a two handed task (with their two healthy hands), while the bionic arm was able to hold a bottle.
Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain and spinal cord to change. At one time just a theoretical concept, it is now proven that it has a huge impact on individuals with brain trauma or stroke. "Scientists have shown the brain healing impact of neuroplasticity in both animals and humans."? There are a number of fascinating real-life stories that illustrate the concept of neuroplasticity.
Hand function study using IRegained hand function device
Pepe, A., Vasiliu, D., Vollebregt, B., Jain, A., Reinikka, K., Lawrence-Dewar, J., Johnson, VBK. Evaluation of a novel hand training device and program on muscle pattern activity following stroke, World Stroke Congress, Montreal, 2018.
Vollebregt, B., Reinikka, K., Vasiliu, D., Pepe, AM., Jain, A., Lawrence-Dewar, JM., Johnson, VBK. The Impact of a Hand Training Programme in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Qualitative Analysis of a Community Based Program, Northern Constellations Conference, Thunder Bay, 2018.
Vollebregt, B., Vasiliu, D., Pepe, AM., Vaclav, M., Jain, A., Lawrence-Dewar, JM., Reinikka, K., Johnson, VBK. Functional Changes Secondary to A 6-Week Hand Training Program Using a Novel Concept Rehabilitation Device, American Society of Neuro Rehabilitation, Annual Meeting, Baltimore, 2017.
Pepe, A., Vasiliu, D., Vollebregt, B., Jain, A., Reinikka, K., Lawrence-Dewar, J., Johnson, VBK. Changes in Muscle Activity Secondary to a Six-Week Hand Training Program Using a Novel Concept Rehabilitation Device, Society of Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Washington DC, 2017.
Coccimiglio, G., Vasiliu, D., Pepe, AM., Jain, A., Lawrence-Dewar, JM., Reinikka, K., Johnson, VBK. Subjective Changes Secondary to A Six-Week Hand Training Program Using a Novel Concept Rehabilitation Device, Northern Health Research Conference, Thunder Bay, 2017.
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