Assessing Functional Recovery and Neural Plasticity in Ischemic Stroke Rodent Models- A Systematic Review
Abstract:
Ischemic
stroke is a pervasive and debilitating condition, ranking as a leading cause of
disability worldwide. The aftermath of a stroke poses significant challenges
for rehabilitation and recovery, emphasizing the need for effective
interventions. Rodent models have emerged as indispensable tools in
investigating post-stroke rehabilitation strategies, providing valuable
insights into the complex mechanisms governing stroke recovery. This systematic
review provides a comprehensive synthesis of evidence from 10 experimental
studies, carefully selected through a rigorous literature search to investigate
the efficacy of physical exercise in promoting functional recovery and neural
plasticity in rodent models of ischemic stroke. Study quality was meticulously
evaluated using the SYRCLE risk of bias tool, ensuring the precision and
trustworthiness of the findings. The findings reveal that treadmill exercise
leads to significant, long-lasting improvements in motor and cognitive
function, decreases infarct volume, and boosts neurotrophic factors like BDNF,
driving synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and myelin repair. Notably, the
results indicate that exercise-induced neuroplasticity is facilitated by key
signaling pathways, including CREB/BDNF and caveolin-1/VEGF mechanisms,
offering crucial insights into the underlying mechanisms of exercise-mediated
recovery. These findings have significant implications for developing effective
rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors, emphasizing the therapeutic
benefits of physical exercise in enhancing functional outcomes and quality of
life
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