Investigation of the effect of cognitive rehabilitation program on neuroplasticity in stroke patients

Year 2025, Volume: 42 Issue: 2, 199 - 206, 30.06.2025

Betül Ünal , Yusuf Yaşasın , Görkem Açar , Selen Özmen

Abstract

This review aims to examine the effectiveness of various cognitive rehabilitation approaches used in stroke-related cognitive dysfunctions, with a particular emphasis on their impact on neuroplasticity, thereby contributing to increased awareness in this field. This study is an integrative review, referring to the retrospective systematic scanning of articles on the subject. The PICOS criteria have structured the study design to ensure methodological standards. An electronic search strategy was used to determine identify the studies targeted by the research. A search was conducted using six electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Web of Science, and Scopus. All studies conducted between 2014 and 2024 were included. We only included articles with full text. Only articles with full texts available were included. Stroke is a leading cause of illness and death globally. Many survivors face cognitive issues that lower their quality of life. This review examines strategies to enhance neuroplasticity in stroke rehabilitation. Interventions such as computer-assisted cognitive training (CACT), physical exercise, virtual reality (VR), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have demonstrated potential in therapeutic applications. When combined with physical exercise, their efficacy is further enhanced. Non-invasive brain stimulation has been shown to facilitate improvements in executive functions and daily activities, while VR-based training contributes to rehabilitation. Overall, a multimodal approach that promotes neuroplasticity can significantly enhance cognitive functions and overall quality of life. Future research should focus on evaluating these interventions across diverse populations to optimize and refine treatment strategies.

Keywords

stroke, neuroplasticity, cognitive rehabilitation

Ethical Statement

The research does not have a direct impact on humans and does not require an ethics committee decision since it is conducted in a literature review design.

Supporting Institution

none

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