NEUROPLASTICITY AND NEUROLOGICAL REHABILITATION: PHYSIOTHERAPY STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY IN POST-STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide, representing a great challenge for the health system and for professionals dedicated to rehabilitation. With this in mind, this digital book was designed with the aim of offering a comprehensive, scientific and practical approach to the subject, focusing on functional recovery and the essential role of neuroplasticity. Divided into three chapters, this work seeks to serve both health professionals and scholars who wish to deepen their knowledge about stroke and its rehabilitation.

In Chapter I – Preambles on Cerebrovascular Accident, we explore the theoretical basis of stroke, its types and causes, in addition to presenting the consequences that this event can bring to the lives of patients. This chapter provides an overview of the disease, covering everything from the physical implications to the emotional and social impacts, contextualizing the severity and relevance of appropriate treatment.

Chapter II – Neuroplasticity: The Basis for Functional Recovery in Post-Stroke Patients addresses one of the most important concepts in neurological rehabilitation: neuroplasticity. It is the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt after an injury, creating new neural connections to compensate for lost functions. This chapter discusses the mechanisms behind this phenomenon and how it can be explored through specific therapeutic strategies.

In Chapter III – Functional Recovery in Post-Stroke Patients: Strategies and Challenges, we present the main approaches to rehabilitation, detailing techniques ranging from gait training to the use of advanced technologies, such as robotic devices and functional electrical stimulation. In addition, we discussed the challenges surrounding the recovery process, such as patient adherence, access to resources, and the need for an interdisciplinary approach.

This digital book is designed to go beyond theory, offering a bridge between science and clinical practice. Through grounded discussions and practical cases, we seek to present effective and accessible solutions for the rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. The work highlights the central role of physiotherapy and other areas of health in promoting functional recovery, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and interdisciplinarity.

Another essential point addressed throughout the chapters is the role of new technologies in post-stroke rehabilitation. Robotic devices, virtual reality systems, and innovative methods have been revolutionizing the way patients are treated, expanding the possibilities of recovery and making processes more efficient.

In addition to science and technique, this book recognizes the importance of emotional and family support in the rehabilitation process. Recovering from a stroke is a challenge that goes beyond the physical, also requiring careful attention to the psychological and social dimensions of patients. Therefore, we reinforce the need to involve the family and offer continuous support to maximize results.

We hope that this work will contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge and clinical practice in the care of post-stroke patients. Throughout each chapter, we seek to provide clear, up-to-date and grounded information, always with the objective of promoting a more efficient and humanized functional recovery.

This book is dedicated not only to health professionals, but also to patients and their families, who face the challenges imposed by stroke on a daily basis. We believe that by sharing knowledge and practices, we can help transform lives and offer better prospects for quality of life.

We invite you to explore the chapters of this work, which have been carefully organized to provide a broad and detailed overview of the topic. May this book be a source of inspiration, learning, and innovation for all who seek to improve the care of post-stroke patients.

We welcome the opportunity to share this knowledge and wish it to be useful in your professional practice, studies, or a loved one's recovery journey. May this material contribute to broaden horizons and reinforce the importance of an integrated and evidence-based treatment.

Happy reading!

The authors,

Rafael Silva Kopereck

Olávio Dummer Cardoso

Giuliano Aldavez Nogueira

Inácio Becker Lacerda

Eduardo Araujo Vieira

Kassius Aldo Ferrari Rott