A03 - Plasticity & Functional Recovery

• Weakness - Plasticity & Functional recovery - Small Sample?

  P: Small samples

  E: Research on new treatments e.g. Banerjee et al (2014) showed total recovery from stroke using stem cell treatment compared to normal 4% recovery.

  E: However, this study drew conclusions based on just 5 participants and no control group, typical of research on functional recovery.

  L: This research may lack validity but waiting for larger samples may prevent the development of valuable treatments.
• Weakness of Plasticity & functional Recovery?

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  A) ?

  
• Strength of Plasticity & Functional Recovery?

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  A) ?

  
• Weakness of Plasticity & Functional Recovery? - negative behavioural consequences?


  P: one limitation of plasticity is possible negative behavioural consequences 

  E: The brain’s adaptation to prolonged drug use leads to poorer cognitive functioning in later life, as well as an increased risk of dementia (Medina et al 2007).

  E: 60-80% of amputees have phantom limb syndrome (experience sensations in missing limb due to changes in somatosensory cortex).

  L: This suggests that the brain’s ability to adapt to damage is not always beneficial and may lead to physical and psychological problems.
• Strength of Plasticity & Functional Recovery - real world application 


  P: One strength of functional recovery is its real-world application.

  E: Understanding plasticity has led to neurorehabilitation. Understanding axonal growth encourages new therapies.

  E: For example, constraint-induced movement therapy involves massed practice with an affected arm while unaffected arm is restrained.

  L: This shows that research into functional recovery helps medical professionals know when interventions can be made.
• Weakness of Plasticity & Functional Recovery? - Seasonal Brain changes


  P: Seasonal Brain changes

  E: Seasonal plasticity occurs in response to environmental changes, e.g. the SCN shrinks in spring and expands in autumn (Tramontin & Brenowitz 2000).

  E: However, much of the work on seasonal plasticity has been done on animals, most notably songbirds. Human behaviour may be controlled differently.

  L: This suggests that animal research may be a useful starting point but can not simply be generalised to humans.
• Evaluation of Plasticity & Functional Recovery?


  -Weakness SUPER PEEL

  +Strength SUPER PEEL

  -Negative Behavioural Consequences

  +Real World Application

  -Small Samples
• Evaluation of Plasticity & Functional Recovery?

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  A) ?