[WEB SITE] Neuroplasticity and the Use of Technology

Therapists Kristin Myers, OTR/L, CBIS and Meredith Nichols, DPT, CBIS were invited to spend a week in China to share their experience of using a computer feedback system with Chinese therapists and physicians. During their time in China, they also demonstrated the concept of active and functional retraining following brain injury, and the seemingly novel idea of neuroplastic recovery, especially years after injury.

Myers and Nichols work in a post-acute brain injury program at CORE Healthcare outside of Austin, Texas. This program utilizes aspects of forced use theories and technology to improve functional outcomes for their clients. Their facility was initially one of only six in the United States to acquire and utilize this specific interactive biofeedback equipment. This computer-aided biofeedback system is one of many tools used at their program to facilitate neuroplasticity following traumatic brain injury.

They are currently collecting preliminary data to evaluate the clinical use of this technology to motivate their patients through mass practice. To reverse learned non-use after stroke, practice that has been clustered together (aka mass practice) has improved functional outcomes, such as seen in Edward Taub’s clinical work using constraint induced therapy for stroke recovery.

The biofeedback computer system Nichols and Myers used combats the monotony of repetitive motions and encourages patients to work harder and move toward more complete recovery of function in less time. This work integrating mass practice and forced use theories using the computer system enabled them to be invited to spend a week in China earlier this year, where they shared their knowledge and expertise with Chinese physicians and therapists.

In a whirlwind tour, Myers and Nichols visited five hospitals, in five different major Chinese cities including Shanghai and Harbin, in five days.  They had the honor of providing a picture of rehabilitation in America to over 500 Chinese therapists, doctors, administrators, and government officials.

New Concepts in Therapy

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