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Pain's Adverse Impact on Training-Induced Performance and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review
Nikola Stanisic1, Birgitta Häggman-Henrikson2,3, Mohit Kothari4,5
1Department of Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden. nikola.stanisic@mau.se.
Brain Imaging and Behavior
|March 18, 2022
Summary
Pain can hinder motor training effectiveness by impeding neuroplasticity, the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Motor training is a cornerstone therapy for various pain conditions, relying on neuroplasticity for improvement.
- Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change functionally and structurally, underpins motor learning and recovery.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a key tool for assessing neuroplasticity changes.
Approach:
- Systematic review of studies on motor training, pain, and neuroplasticity using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
- Searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases.
- Included 17 studies (7 acute pain, 10 chronic pain) with 258 patients.
Key Points:
- Motor training induced neuroplasticity in the motor cortex.
- Pain impeded training-induced neuroplasticity in most acute and chronic pain studies.
- Finger tasks were the most common motor training intervention.
Conclusions:
- Pain, both acute and chronic, can significantly impede the neuroplasticity associated with motor training.
- These findings highlight potential limitations in motor learning and performance in individuals with pain.
- The results suggest a need to consider pain management strategies within rehabilitative procedures like physiotherapy.
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