Manual Therapy
Volume 15, Issue 5 , Pages 410-414, October 2010

The role of motor learning and neuroplasticity in designing rehabilitation approaches for musculoskeletal pain disorders

Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7, D-3, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark

Received 4 May 2010; accepted 16 May 2010. published online 08 July 2010.

Abstract 

The extent of cortical neuroplastic changes has been shown to be a key neurophysiological feature that correlates with the level of functional recovery. Therefore, rehabilitation efforts that attempt to maximize cortical reorganization provide the greatest potential for rehabilitation success. This paper reviews the evidence of cortical neuroplastic changes that have been shown to occur in association with experimental or chronic pain disorders. Further, the promising role of novel motor-skill training is discussed in order to best direct the clinician to optimize rehabilitation strategies for patients with musculoskeletal pain disorders.

Keywords: Plasticity, Skill training, Rehabilitation, Musculoskeletal pain

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PII: S1356-689X(10)00083-4

doi:10.1016/j.math.2010.05.008

Manual Therapy
Volume 15, Issue 5 , Pages 410-414, October 2010

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