Using aerobic exercise to improve recovery after a stroke
Official title: Priming the Rehabilitation Engine: Aerobic Exercise as the Fuel to Spark Behavioral Improvements in Stroke
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11056687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how doing aerobic exercise before rehabilitation activities, like playing a virtual reality game, can help stroke survivors recover better by improving their movement, thinking, and mood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX003540-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056687 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have experienced a stroke and are seeking to improve their recovery through innovative rehabilitation methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or those with severe comorbidities that prevent participation in aerobic exercise may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aerobic exercise can enhance recovery for stroke survivors by improving their functional, cognitive, and psychological outcomes. The approach involves priming patients with aerobic exercise before they engage in targeted rehabilitation activities, specifically using a virtual reality game designed to aid upper extremity recovery. By increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and enhancing neuroplasticity, the study aims to create a more favorable environment for rehabilitation. Participants will engage in aerobic activities paired with rehabilitation exercises to assess the effectiveness of this combined approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using aerobic exercise to enhance rehabilitation outcomes in stroke patients, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ross, Ryan — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ross, Ryan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Aerobic exercise to boost stroke rehabilitation outcomes with a VR game
A VA-based study tests whether an aerobic workout before a hand-rehabilitation game can improve recovery after stroke for veterans.
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Combining rTMS and aerobic exercise to help post-stroke depression and walking
A new approach tests whether adding aerobic exercise to rTMS can reduce depression after stroke and improve walking.
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rTMS plus aerobic exercise for post‑stroke depression and walking recovery
This project combines repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with aerobic exercise to try to reduce depression and improve walking for people after a stroke.
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Using exercise and brain stimulation to help people with depression after a stroke
This study is looking at whether doing aerobic exercise along with a special treatment called rTMS can help people who are feeling depressed after a stroke feel better and recover more effectively.
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Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
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Music-powered tools to boost blood pressure and stroke prevention for Nigerian youth and their older caregivers
This project uses popular music to help Nigerian youths and their older family members start and stick to blood pressure and stroke prevention habits.
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.