The Role of Neuroplasticity in Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to severe functional impairments, and neuroplasticity has been identified as a crucial mechanism in recovery. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for effective therapies. Objective: To evaluate the role of neuroplasticity in SCI recovery and to assess therapeutic strategies aimed at promoting neuroplastic changes for improving functional outcomes. Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, with a sample size of 188 SCI patients from January 2023 to June 2024. Patients underwent a combination of neuroplasticity-enhancing therapies, including physical rehabilitation, neuromodulation, and stem cell therapy. Functional outcomes were measured using the ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) impairment scale, and neuroplastic changes were quantified through MRI and electrophysiological recordings. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Patients demonstrated significant functional improvements, with 72% showing an increase of 1–2 points on the ASIA scale after 6 months. Mean improvement in sensory scores was 32% (p = 0.003), while motor recovery showed an average improvement of 25% (p = 0.001). Standard deviation for motor recovery was 10.8, and sensory improvement was 8.4. In neuroplasticity markers, the volume of cortical reorganization was positively correlated with recovery, with an increase of 27% in cortical activation in motor regions (p = 0.002). Stem cell therapy combined with rehabilitation showed the highest efficacy, with a recovery rate of 80%, compared to 65% in the physical rehabilitation-only group (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Neuroplasticity plays a pivotal role in SCI recovery, with advanced therapeutic strategies significantly enhancing functional outcomes. The combination of rehabilitation and stem cell therapy offers the most promising results.