Neuroplasticity
Pronunciation: nyoor-oh-plas-TIS-ih-tee
The brain's and nervous system's ability to reorganise their structure, function, and connections in response to experience, learning, or injury — the biological basis underpinning most rehabilitation interventions.
Full Definition
Neuroplasticity is the mechanism by which the central and peripheral nervous systems adapt to injury, disease, or new learning by forming new synaptic connections, reorganising cortical maps, and recruiting alternative neural pathways. In the context of rehab technology, it provides the scientific rationale for interventions such as constraint-induced movement therapy, EMG biofeedback, and brain–computer interface training. Editors should capitalise 'neuroplasticity' only when it begins a sentence and should avoid the informal shortening 'brain plasticity,' which may be acceptable in consumer-facing copy but is imprecise in clinical documentation. The concept is foundational to justifications for intensive or technology-assisted rehabilitation programs.
Usage
Usage note: Lowercase in running text. In clinical documents aimed at lay readers, a brief parenthetical explanation is good editorial practice.
In Context
- "The program rationale cited neuroplasticity as the theoretical foundation for the intensive upper-limb robotic therapy protocol." — Rehabilitation program design document
- "Editors reviewing grant applications in rehab technology should ensure 'neuroplasticity' is not conflated with 'neurogenesis,' which refers specifically to new neuron formation." — Research grant application