Brain neuroplasticity—the remarkable ability of the brain to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections—has revolutionized our understanding of recovery and adaptation following musculoskeletal disorders, especially in the realm of sports and active living. Historically, musculoskeletal conditions were predominantly treated as peripheral issues, with interventions focusing on bones, muscles, and joints. However, over the past few decades, research has unveiled that these disorders could induce significant changes within the central nervous system and neurocognitive processes, which has profound implications for athletes and physically active individuals.

Early studies in neuroplasticity demonstrated that injury or altered sensory input could lead to reorganization within the somatosensory and motor cortices. This understanding evolved as subsequent research showed changes within sensorimotor and neurocognitive networks involved in motor planning and decision-making. This laid the foundation for exploring how musculoskeletal disorders affect not just the site of injury but also the brain's structure, function and performance. For instance, conditions such as joint instability, osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal pain syndromes have been associated with cortical reorganization, changes in neural activation patterns, and impaired neurocognitive function. In the context of sports and active living, these neural and cognitive changes can impact motor control, coordination, balance, and pain perception, all of which are critical for athletic performance and the ability to engage in physical activities safely and effectively.

Advancements in neuroimaging techniques have allowed researchers to visualize and quantify these neural adaptations. Findings have shown that chronic musculoskeletal conditions can lead to altered motor planning, impaired proprioception, and changes in pain perception due to neuroplastic changes in the brain. These insights have significant implications for sports rehabilitation, suggesting that effective treatment must address both peripheral dysfunction and central nervous system adaptations to fully restore function and optimize performance.

Understanding the interplay between musculoskeletal injuries, brain plasticity, and neurocognition is crucial for developing effective rehabilitation strategies that address both peripheral and central components of these conditions. By integrating neuroplasticity principles into rehabilitation protocols, practitioners can enhance recovery outcomes for athletes and physically active individuals, promoting a quicker and more complete return to sport and active living. This holistic approach not only aids in injury recovery but also contributes to injury prevention and improved overall performance, supporting long-term engagement in physical activities.

We invite researchers and clinicians to submit original research articles, reviews (with/without meta-analyses), brief research reports, case reports, commentaries & opinions, and even hypotheses & theoretical papers that explore the relationship between brain neuroplasticity, neurocogition, and musculoskeletal disorders. Submissions may cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:

(1) Central Nervous System and Neurocognitive Changes Post-Injury: Studies on how musculoskeletal injuries affect brain structure, function, and neurocognitive performance, utilizing neurophysiological techniques in conjunction with clinical outcome measures (e.g., patient-reported function, balance, strength).
(2) Neuroplasticity and Neurocognition in Rehabilitation: Research on rehabilitation protocols that leverage neuroplasticity and neurocognition to enhance recovery (e.g., proprioceptive training, pain management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, neural stimulation).
(3) Disorders Predicted and Prevented by the Central Nervous System: Studies on how brain structure and function can predict or prevent musculoskeletal injuries through prospective studies.
(4) Methodological and Technological Innovations: Development of new methodologies and techniques to evaluate, monitor, and modulate neural and neurocognitive adaptations in musculoskeletal disorders.
(5) Interdisciplinary and Translational Opinions: Collaborative commentaries that bridge neuroscience, biomechanics, psychology, and clinical sports medicine, aiming to translate basic neuroplasticity and neurocognitive research into clinical applications and policy recommendations.

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Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

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