Increased hand activity » increased sensory flow
plasticity - unmasking of existing synapses
making new synapses
influence of enriched environment on learning & effects of training
Immobilization, amputation, anesthesia –> cortical competition
cutaneous forearm anesthesia –> increased digital sensation (JHSB 2004)
can more brain space be provided to allow hand surgery improvement
observation of hand activity activates premotor cortex –> “mirror neurons” – important for learning
sensory area also activated by observing touch