Using exercise and brain stimulation to help people with depression after a stroke
Official title: Combining rTMS & aerobic exercise to treat depression and improve post-stroke walking (RESTORATION)
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10904283 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $675,676 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD113299-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904283 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a stroke and are currently dealing with depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a stroke or do not experience depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the combined effects of aerobic exercise and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on individuals experiencing depression following a stroke. The study aims to determine if these two treatments can effectively reduce depressive symptoms and improve recovery outcomes. By engaging in aerobic exercise and receiving rTMS, participants may experience enhanced rehabilitation responses, leading to better functional gains. The research is designed to include individuals who have been excluded from traditional rehabilitation trials due to their depressive symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment approach for individuals suffering from post-stroke depression, potentially improving their overall recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with both aerobic exercise and rTMS in treating depression, suggesting that this combined approach may also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gregory, Chris — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Gregory, Chris
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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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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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Understanding why post-stroke depression happens in older mice
A study in aged mice investigates how stroke can lead to depression and what biological changes drive it, with a focus on the roles of oxytocin and taurine.
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How aerobic exercise may help brain health and thinking after late-life depression
This work looks at whether regular aerobic exercise can improve brain health and thinking in older adults who have recovered from late-life depression.
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Understanding Depression After Stroke
This project explores how depression develops after a stroke, especially in older individuals, by looking at brain changes and potential protective factors.
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.