Abstract
Neuro-rehabilitative therapy is the most effective treatment for recovering motor deficits in stroke patients. Nevertheless, the neural basis of recovery associated with rehabilitative intervention is debated. Here, we addressed the multiple facets of cortical remodeling induced by rehabilitative therapy. By longitudinal imaging of cortical activity while training, we demonstrated progressive attenuation of motor map dedifferentiation and rise of a more intense and fast-rising calcium response in the peri-infarct area during movement execution. Coupling of the spared cortex to the injured hemisphere was reinforced by rehabilitation, as demonstrated by our all-optical approach. Alongside, profound angiogenic response accompanied the stabilization of peri-infarct micro-circuitry at the synaptic level. The present work, by combining optical tools of visualization and manipulation of neuronal activity, provides the first in vivo evidence of the mechanism of rehabilitation in shaping cortical plasticity.