“Low road” to rehabilitation: a perspective on subliminal sensory neuroprosthetics

Abstract

Fear can propagate parallelly through both cortical and subcortical pathways. It can instigate memory consolidation habitually and might allow internal simulation of movements independent of the cortical structures. This perspective suggests delivery of subliminal, aversive and kinematic audiovisual stimuli via neuroprosthetics in patients with neocortical dysfunctions. We suggest possible scenarios by which these stimuli might bypass damaged neocortical structures and possibly assisting in motor relearning. Anticipated neurophysiological mechanisms and methodological scenarios have been discussed in this perspective. This approach introduces novel perspectives into neuropsychology as to how subcortical pathways might be used to induce motor relearning.

Training proprioception with sound: effects of real‐time auditory feedback on intermodal learning

“…Likewise, evidence from neuroimaging studies also supports the notion that a high level of stimulus–response consistency (meaningful organization of perceptual and motion events) can promote sensorimotor coactivations and motor priming . Therefore, we propose that in the current study, the convergence of the perceptual modalities (auditory–proprioceptive) due to the comprehensive audio‐motor execution could have allowed a feature overlap between perception and action, and/or supported the development of important amodal relations . This then could have provided a platform for the development of consistent sensorimotor representations perceived in a unified manner, therefore enhancing intermodal learning .…”

Effects of (music-based) rhythmic auditory cueing training on gait and posture post-stroke: A systematic review & dose-response meta-analysis

“…In addition to these neurophysiological changes, rhythmic auditory cueing can impart multifaceted effects on musculoskeletal system as well 66–71 . Thaut, et al .…”

Effects of Rhythmic Auditory Cueing in Gait Rehabilitation for Multiple Sclerosis: A Mini Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The authors proposed that computing of the timing information in such cases can be achieved peripherally i.e., directly in the auditory nerve by neural excitation patterns generated by precise physiological coding. This information can then be transferred directly into adjacent motor structures, which entrain with the neural motor codes and allow enhanced synchronization between the auditory stimuli and motor response ( 106 , 107 ).…”