Modified cardiac rehabilitation to improve physical and emotional recovery after stroke
Official title: Modified cardiac rehabilitation to enhance post-stroke physical and psychosocial function: does despression limit the response?
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11262869 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A tailored cardiac rehabilitation program uses progressive aerobic and strength exercise to help people recovering from stroke improve fitness, daily function, and mood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $477,309 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114673-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11262869 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have survived a stroke, are medically stable, have reduced aerobic fitness or functional limitations, and can participate in supervised exercise would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with unstable cardiac conditions, severe cognitive or medical impairments that prevent safe exercise participation, or those unable to attend supervised sessions may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
You would take part in a cardiac-style rehab program adapted for stroke survivors with guided aerobic and strengthening sessions at a higher, progressive intensity. The program is designed to be scalable and to complement usual stroke therapy by focusing on walking, balance, and activities of daily living. Staff will track changes in aerobic fitness, mobility, day-to-day function, and emotional health, and they will examine whether having depression limits how much people improve. The aim is to create a practical exercise pathway that can be offered alongside standard stroke care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help stroke survivors regain aerobic fitness, move better in daily life, and feel less socially or emotionally impaired.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier small trials and pilot programs using modified cardiac rehab for stroke have shown promise in improving aerobic capacity and walking, but larger definitive trials are limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ross, Ryan — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Ross, Ryan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving physical and mental health after stroke through modified cardiac rehabilitation
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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.