Fire Together, Wire Together
By Jessica Jordan, MS, OTR/L & Erin Clarelli, MS, OTR/L
The saying “neurons that fire together, wire together” is a summarized version of the Hebbian theory (a neuropsychologist known for his work in associative learning) which discusses our brain’s neuroplasticity or moldability, but what does it all mean in digestible terms?
Hebbian’s theory claims that an increase in synaptic (a neuron hub or junction) efficiency arises from the presynaptic cell’s repeated and persistent stimulation of the postsynaptic cell. When neurons are activated together, the brain will form a neural network which may be strengthened over time with the repeated firing of them. This is the basis for all motor learning! To put it into an example, when you first learn to drive a car or even ride a bike you have to remind yourself to check your blind spot or even look down to check which handle bar has the break to your bike. However, over time, that process becomes so automatic or habitual for some that you can perform the motor movements without even thinking about it.
Why is this so important to us as occupational therapists?
For many of the individuals we serve, our therapy is guided by theories of motor learning. Motor learning is defined as “a set of processes associated with practice or experience leading to relatively permanent changes in the capability for movement” (Schmidt & Lee, 2005, p. 302). Occupational therapy isn’t here to make sure that movements or activities are quote on quote “perfect” but INTENTIONAL in order to allow our clients to engage in meaningful activities that their minds and hearts want to be participating in, versus actions that their body my impulsively engage in.
It's important to note that any type of neural pathway that occurs over and over can become over-myelinated, causing that action to be easier and easier to perform - even actions that an individual may not be in full intentional control of (think of random grabbing, outbursts, or even spoken words.
One of my favorite activities and approaches that fits into this idea is a metronome. An interactive metronome or IM is a way of measuring and improving Neurotiming: the synchronization of neural impulses in the brain’s network. It combines using visual and auditory input in order to perform a variety of exercises. It is just one of the tools that may be used to help our brain function! Ask one of our therapists’ today how we incorporate intentional motor into just about every activity we do within our time together
Sources
Hebbian theory. (n.d). In Wikipedia. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebbian_theory
Schmidt, R.A. and Lee, T.D. (2005) Motor Control and Learning: A Behavioral Emphasis. Human Kinetics, Champaign.
.Tran, M. (2019, March 7). What Is Interactive Metronome? And Why Is It Important To Brain Health? NorCal Brain Center. https://norcalbrain.com/what-is-interactive-metronome-and-why-is-it-important-to-brain-health/