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It's Not Just What You Do, But Where: Enriched Environments, Movement, and Brain Recovery

Writer's picture: Dr. Steve PageDr. Steve Page

The spaces that we (and our patients) inhabit profoundly influence healing and adaptation. Recent research in #neuroscience highlights how #enrichedenvironments act as powerful tools for #recovery and movement improvement.


What Are Enriched Environments?

In neuroscience, an enriched environment refers to a setting filled with sensory, cognitive, and physical stimuli that challenge the brain and encourage growth. These spaces are designed to promote engagement and interaction through elements like vibrant colors, varied textures, pleasant sounds, and opportunities for exploration and movement.


The Benefits of Enriched Environments

Research has shown that enriched environments can:

  • Enhance #neuroplasticity by fostering the brain's ability to form new neural connections.

  • Improve #motorskills and #coordination through physical and sensory engagement.

  • Boost mood and reduce stress, promoting emotional resilience.

  • Accelerate cognitive and #motorrecovery in individuals recovering from neurological injuries, such as #stroke.


These findings underscore the significant potential of enriched environments to support both #brain and #functionalrecovery.


The Science Behind Enriched Environments

Studies have demonstrated that enriched environments uniquely stimulate the brain, promoting functional and structural changes not seen in traditional rehabilitation settings.


For example, animal studies show that rodents housed in enriched environments - with toys, tunnels, and social interaction - experience increased brain volume, improved motor skills, and enhanced learning compared to those in barren environments. (1)


Human studies mirror these findings. #Strokesurvivors participating in #rehabilitation within enriched environments experience faster and more robust recovery of cognitive and motor functions. Such settings combine physical activity and sensory stimulation, which trigger the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). #BDNF is a critical protein that supports angiogenesis, neuroplasticity, and functional recovery. (2,3)


Creating Your Own Brain-Boosting Space

Whether at home, work, or during recovery, creating an enriched environment can unlock untapped potential by:

  • Engaging the Senses: I'm a YouTube junkie during work. Add music to create a stimulating (or calming) atmosphere.

  • Encouraging Movement: Create designated areas for physical activity, such as a yoga mat, standing desk, or tools for fine motor tasks. I'm never far from my yoga brick or my portable pull up bar when writing from home.

  • Stimulating Curiosity: Surround yourself with books, art, or learning materials that challenge and excite you.


Tailored Recommendations

  • At Work: Incorporate standing desks, fidget tools, or greenery to encourage movement and focus.

  • At Home: Rearrange your space to include intentional activity zones, such as a cozy reading nook or a home workout area.

  • In Recovery: If you or someone you know is recovering from illness or injury, add sensory elements, interactive tools, and opportunities for movement.

Meet your new "recovery" space. :/
Meet your new "recovery" space. :/

The Takeaway

Based on literally decades of neuroscience findings, contemporary hospital recovery rooms and rehabilitation gyms are getting it wrong (see picture which, sadly, is of a real and typical rehabilitative space). Boring rooms, outdated pictures of tired landscapes, and uninspired clinicians do little to stimulate recovery.


Enriched environments remind us that our surroundings are dynamic partners in our journey to better health. By intentionally engaging the senses, encouraging movement, and promoting curiosity, we can create spaces that actively foster growth, healing, and resilience.


References

  1. van Praag H, Kempermann G, Gage FH. Neural consequences of environmental enrichment. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2020;21(3):191-198. doi:10.1038/s41583-020-0317-2.

  2. Johansson BB. Brain plasticity and stroke rehabilitation: The Willis lecture. Stroke. 2020;51(1):223-230. doi:10.1161/STR.51.1.223.

  3. Nithianantharajah J, Hannan AJ. Enriched environments, experience-dependent plasticity and disorders of the nervous system. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2022;7(9):697-709. doi:10.1038/nrn1970.

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