The Effects of Poststroke Aerobic Exercise on Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review of Animal and Clinical Studies

Abstract

Aerobic exercise may be a catalyst to promote neuroplasticity and recovery following stroke; however, the optimal methods to measure neuroplasticity and the effects of training parameters have not been fully elucidated. We conducted a systematic review and synthesis of clinical trials and studies in animal models to determine (1) the extent to which aerobic exercise influences poststroke markers of neuroplasticity, (2) the optimal parameters of exercise required to induce beneficial effects, and (3) consistent outcomes in animal models that could help inform the design of future trials. Synthesized findings show that forced exercise at moderate to high intensity increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), nerve growth factor (NGF), and synaptogenesis in multiple brain regions. Dendritic branching was most responsive to moderate rather than intense training. Disparity between clinical stroke and stroke models (timing of initiation of exercise, age, gender) and clinically viable methods to measure neuroplasticity are some of the areas that should be addressed in future research.

Post-stroke BDNF Concentration Changes Following Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review

“…Recent studies have highlighted BDNF as an important neurotrophic factor involved in motor learning, recovery and neural rehabilitation after a stroke (7, 8, 36). The current review illustrates the consistencies and discrepancies in the literature regarding the response of BDNF concentrations following physical exercise training in subjects post-stroke or animals submitted to experimental CNS injury.…”

“…Given the evidence linking BDNF and brain plasticity, research advancements have been made aiming to understand the response of BDNF levels to physical exercise training and how these changes would mediate the beneficial effects of exercise on learning (8, 11, 12). This systematic review specifically emphasized studies that examined exercise intervention, not exercise as a priming (e.g.,-single session, before and after exercise measurements only).…”

“…Although previous literature reviews have addressed the effects of aerobic exercise on neuroplasticity in general after stroke (7, 8) the focus of the current review is on the role of BDNF in the physical exercise response, either aerobic and/or functional task training, in human or animal models of stroke. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review of literature investigating the effects of aerobic exercise and functional task training on BDNF concentrations in animals or humans post-stroke.…”

Fundamental Research on the Applications of Clinical Skill Training Centers on the Education of Clinical Medicine

“…(4) Clinical specialist skills training platform. Using advanced integrated model of clinical medical students must master the simulated training of various professional skills, lets the student during the undergraduate study at the university is to master the clinical students should master professional skills and to eventually emphasize the standardization of diagnosis and treatment technology [3].…”

The Role of Neuroplasticity and the Immune System in Recovery from Strokes and Other Forms of Brain Trauma

“…Injuries to the central nervous system, such as those that arise from ischemic strokes and other traumas, activate neuroplasticity [1] which plays an important role in the recovery of motor and sensory functions [2]. The effect of neuroplasticity may be of two kinds.…”