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

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.