A review of the literature suggests that boxer John Famechon’s neurological recovery and associated independent ambulatory recovery (after having been incapacitated for 28 months) may have taken place as a result of the application of this new and novel complex brain-based multi-movement therapy rehabilitation program.
Two Possibilities of Significant Neurological Recovery
From a neurological and neurobiological perspective (in respective of the many brain-based possibilities that may also have had an impact on John’s brain and changing his incapacitated condition), the literature and research indicate that there are two possible explanations for significant neurological recovery: that of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) (Arden, 2010; Arrowsmith-Young, 2012; Chytrova, Ying, and Gomez-Pinilla, 2008; Ding, Ying, and Gómez-Pinilla, 2011; Doidge, 2010, 2015; Lu, Pang, and Woo, 2005; Medina, 2008; Soya et al., 2007; Suzuki, 2015; Vaynman, Ying, and Gomez-Pinilla, 2004; Ying et al., 2002; Zhou et al., 2004).
Directly connected with this, Doidge identified four distinct ways in which “the brain” achieved these described neurological recovery outcomes. These four different methods will now be explored.
When Any Intentional Physical Activity is Activated, Change Occurs
In the first instance when any intentional physical activity is activated, there is, according to Doidge an accompanying synthesising release of BDNF from the endoplasmic reticulum; plus, there is also the associated capacity (and the neurophysiological actuality) for “neurons to be then able to fire together;” all of which takes place in response to the commencement of this physical activity.
A Parallel Need for BDNF to be Released
According to Doidge, this capacity for neurons to be able to “fire together” also necessitates a parallel need for BDNF to be released because – and significantly so – it is this neurobiological capacity (to release BDNF), that provides the neurophysiological means for the actuality of “neurons being able to fire together.” Donald Hebb, a Canadian neuropsychologist, is credited with the statement: “Neurons that fire together wire together.” However, as also noted by Doidge, 2010), this concept of “neurons being able to fire together” additionally has an association with Freud in 1888 and was further mentioned in 1895.
According to Doidge, “Freud completed a study titled, ‘Project for a Scientific Psychology’” in 1895. This study is still much admired for its elegance. It was during this time (1888 to 1895) that Freud began to make suggestions about neuroplasticity. What this historically means, according to Doidge (2010), is that it was Freud who “proposed the [existence of the] ‘synapse’ several years before Sir Charles Sherrington, who bears the credit.”
BDNF and Neuronal Assemblies
Secondly (in relation to the BDNF), further to the release of BDNF, BDNF not only allows neurons to fire together, it also requires that these neurons connect (and be permanently consolidated). This grouping of “firing neurons” then becomes known as neuronal assemblies. This collective neuronal assembly takes place because once the neurons are permanently consolidated, this is when this “assembly of neurons” (as a “now unified” and consolidated collective of neurons) are now able to “fire together” wherever and whenever needed.
Assembled Neurological Power
It is this entire neurological and neurobiological process that enhances the neurological power, which then brings all of the associated holistic neurological, neuromuscular and physical benefits to the brain and the body. One can reasonably hypothesize that all of this is what took place with the recovery of John Famechon. If this were not the case, how is it that (following the application of this new and novel complex brain-based multi-movement therapy) John was no longer incapacitated?
BDNF and the Nucleus Basalis
The third vital action of BDNF during this critical period is that BDNF turns on the nucleus basalis. The nucleus basalis is that part of the limbic system of the brain that not only “allows us to focus attention”, but this release of BDNF also countenances the nucleus basalis to keep firing “throughout the entire critical period” (Doidge, 2010, italics in original).
BDNF and Sophisticated Complex Thinking
This important neurophysiological process also influences the following three beneficial mind imperatives: (1) memory function, (2) the ability to learn, and (3) the ability to remember. Associated with this, BDNF release also influences what Iughetti et al. (2011) specifically refer to as the valuable action of “cognitive behaviour.” This (valuable cognitive behaviour) is all about the ability of the brain and mind to seamlessly engage in a process of continuous, complex sophisticated thinking.
BDNF and Neural Network Stabilization
Fourth, when the release of BDNF has helped to complete the necessary neural wiring (in response to what has been taking place, along with the associated strengthening of these strategic neural networks); the next crucial brain-based neurological requirement to take place, is in the establishment of – neural network stabilization – and the all-important return to the holistic condition of homeostasis.
The essential point to note here is that this (neural network stabilization) can only be achieved with the continual release of BDNF (Iughetti et al., 2011). As noted, BDNF is first synthesised in the endoplasmic reticulum in response to physical activity (Lu et al., 2005); this reinforces the imperative requirement of ensuring that physical activity takes place and continues to take place.
A Physiological Tipping Point
When a sufficient amount of BDNF has been released (an important neurophysiological tipping point eventually takes place); this is where the ongoing release of BDNF, according to Doidge (2010), not only “turns off the nucleus basalis”, it also leads to less synaptic plasticity rewiring taking place.
The Nucleus Basalis, Brain Stabilization and Homeostasis
This action (where the nucleus basalis is turned off), which means that less synaptic plasticity is taking place; (the vital point to note here) is that this critical neurobiological “switching off occurrence” means that the brain has now stabilized (and no more simulation is required). What this then means is that holistic (brain, mind, body) homeostasis balance is once again in place.
Physical Activity is Irrefutably Invaluable
This neurophysiological stabilization process powerfully reaffirms that physical exercise is irrefutably invaluable. There is also added hope that this entire neurological and neurobiological occurrence can and will also lead to where the condition of incapacitation is no longer in place.
The essential physiological significance of this neurologically focussed complex multi-movement activity leads directly to the immediate release of BDNF and tPA.
This increase in synaptic plasticity is what then leads to augmented brain, mind and body potential advances taking place, which then leads to where movement returns and incapacitation no longer exists.
This internal change then has the capacity to change the brain and, with it, thinking and presenting behaviours (in terms of advancing movement and skill acquisition potential) (Higgins, 1991; Williams, Horn, & Hodges, 2003).
As such, it would be reasonable to declare that this is what took place when John Famechon began his new and novel complex brain-based multi-movement therapy rehabilitation program.
The Crucial Blood-Brain Barrier
As noted, the release of BDNF activates the nucleus basalis; this has the universal potential to improve and enhance the brain, mind, and body, as noted in relation to what happened with John Famechon.