Intensive assisted cycling to boost stroke recovery and lower rehab costs
The I-SCORE (Intensive Stroke Cycling for Optimal Recovery and Economic value) Trial
This program uses mechanically assisted, intensive cycling plus focused arm practice to help people recovering from stroke regain movement and make rehabilitation more affordable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290399 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would take part in sessions that combine forced aerobic cycling — a bike that helps move your legs so you can reach a steady, challenging exercise level — followed by targeted arm movement practice. The team is testing whether this mix helps the brain relearn arm and leg function better than standard, time-intensive therapy while also tracking costs. Sessions occur in the subacute period after stroke and include monitored heart-rate–guided aerobic work. Outcomes and economic value will be compared across groups over months of follow-up.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults in the subacute phase after stroke who can tolerate aerobic exercise and can attend regular in-person sessions at the study site.
Not a fit: People with unstable medical conditions, significant cardiac or pulmonary limitations, or who cannot pedal or follow instructions may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help people recover more arm and leg function after stroke while lowering time and cost of rehabilitation.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and preliminary human data indicate forced aerobic exercise can improve motor recovery after stroke, but larger clinical trials are still needed.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Linder, Susan Marie — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Linder, Susan Marie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.