PMC

Schematic on the proposed role of BDNF and the val⁶⁶met BDNF polymorphism in rehabilitation after stroke. Intervention approaches that include motor practice aimed at driving neuroplasticity, and therefore learning or re-learning of skilled actions, are thought to rely on BDNF dependent processes. Individuals with the BDNF polymorphism may have differences in the neuroplastic response to motor practice that may impact motor learning and, ultimately, motor recovery. Rehabilitation approaches aimed at facilitating motor recovery that do not engage these neuroplastic/learning processes may not be affected by the BDNF polymorphism.