THE INFLUENCE OF BILINGUALISM ON MOTOR RECOVERY AFTER STROKE

Abstract

Objective: Bilingualism has been associated with enhanced executive function and cognitive reserve. In this literature review, we aimed to analyze the influence of bilingualism on motor recovery after stroke. Methods: A literature-based review was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Sources were filtered to prioritize studies comparing neurophysiological characteristics and stroke recovery outcomes in bilingual versus monolingual individuals, with a specific focus on motor recovery. Results: The findings indicate that bilingual individuals possess greater gray matter density in regions like the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), along with increased white matter volume in interhemispheric communication tracts like the corpus callosum. These adaptations are linked to enhanced executive function, attention, and cognitive flexibility, which support effective motor rehabilitation. Conclusions: Although direct studies on the impact of bilingualism on post-stroke motor outcomes remain limited, existing research on the neuroplasticity and the cognitive advantages of bilingualism supports the hypothesis that the cognitive advantages of bilingualism can support effective rehabilitation.