Why relearning is important?

In the nervous system, there are numerous nerve cells and numerous possible pathways through which information could be transmitted. Most of these pathways are developed in childhood. As children explore their environment, the body image expands and their sensory motor system improves. As we learn to move, neural connections are developed. Yet we only use a fraction of our potential.

After a spinal cord injury, nerve cells die destroying many of the existing pathways.

Until recently many scientists believed that it was not possible to create new neural pathways beyond childhood. However, neuroscientists are now realising that, by a process called “Neuroplasticity”, we can make new neural connections and regain some functioning. Neuroplasticity is stimulated by learning. By relearning movement, we can stimulate weak connections and induce live neurons to make new connections. In this way, we can restore some movement and proprioception (sense of joint position) and improve our ability to move in a co-ordinated way, even decades after a spinal cord injury.