Work

An opinion on how a qualitative lens can advance translational and rehabilitation practices: The example of Environmental Enrichment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Using the example of Environmental Enrichment (EE), we argue in this opinion piece that a qualitative interrogation of animal-based experimental paradigms can provide a substantial contribution to advance translational and rehabilitation practices. EE, a well-established paradigm in animal-based experimental biology, has been translated to human rehabilitation using a mechanistic approach, providing limited results. To advance current understanding of the paradigm, we have interrogated EE through a qualitative lens and have identified six principles—complexity, novelty, variety, individualization, integration, and scaffolding—that define EE in animals and can inform more effective, tailored rehabilitation strategies. This approach can be used in future research to create novel resources and teaching didactical methods that can help translate the impact of experimental paradigms, such as EE, seen in animals to human populations.

Source: Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior

DOI: 10.20338/bjmb.v19i1.498

Authors: Luca Oppici, James R. Rudd

Institutions: Monash University European Research Foundation ETS, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Norges Forskningsråd, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme