# Age-related changes in neuroplasticity impede recovery in post-stroke depression: a novel exercise and brain stimulation paradigm to prime neuroplastic potential

> **NIH VA IK1** · RALPH H JOHNSON VA MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · —

## Abstract

Depression is the most common neuropsychiatric manifestation following stroke. Depression amongst U.S.
Veteran stroke survivors occurs more frequently than in non-Veterans and is associated with increased health
care utilization, including more frequent and lengthier hospitalizations. Post-stroke depression (PSD) also
interferes with functional recovery. The neuroplastic processes underlying stroke rehabilitation are likely
impeded by depression thus limiting the response to rehabilitative strategies. However, little is known about the
neurobiological mechanisms underlying PSD in Veterans. Thus, the overarching aim of this proposal is to
examine the neurobiological underpinnings of PSD. Non-stroke, depressed cohorts have demonstrated
that reduced neuroplastic potential, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are potential candidate
mechanisms underlying PSD. Additionally, mechanisms appear to be restored with successful antidepressant
treatment. Given that pharmacologic treatments for depression are often ineffective and come at the cost of
significant side effects, alternative treatments for Veterans with PSD are needed. Aerobic exercise (AEx) is an
attractive treatment option given its robust health benefits, established anti-depressant benefits, and ability to
modulate neuroplastic potential and BDNF. Therefore, an additional aim of this project is to examine the
acute effects of AEx on neuroplastic potential and BDNF in PSD. Identifying the neurobiological
underpinnings of PSD may help providers identify candidates for early evidence-based anti-depressant
treatments as well as educate Veterans and their families about the nature of this condition. Additionally,
establishing the acute influence of AEx on these biomarkers of neuroplasticity will aide in the development of
optimal treatment strategies. The aims of this study will be accomplished by examining a cohort of stroke
survivors with and without PSD who will undergo a non-invasive brain stimulation assessment of neuroplastic
potential called paired associative stimulation (PAS). Additionally, we will assess the influence of three distinct
exercise conditions, high-intensity AEx (HI); low-intensity-AEx (LO); or a non-exercising control (CON) on
neuroplastic potential and circulating BDNF. This proposal will be supported by the infrastructure and
resources provided by the South Carolina Research Center for Recovery from Stroke (NIH P20 GM109040).
Furthermore, the combination of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and its affiliated academic
institution, Medical University of South Carolina is uniquely positioned to fill the aforementioned gap in
understanding for several reasons: 1) Charleston, South Carolina has one of the highest rates of stroke in the
nation, and 2) in the last 3 years we have received over $23 million in research funds to support rehabilitation
research in stroke recovery. During the award period, the applicant will capitalize on the opportunity to utilize
the...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9851294
- **Project number:** 5IK1RX002962-02
- **Recipient organization:** RALPH H JOHNSON VA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Ryan Ross
- **Activity code:** IK1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-02-01 → 2021-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9851294

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9851294, Age-related changes in neuroplasticity impede recovery in post-stroke depression: a novel exercise and brain stimulation paradigm to prime neuroplastic potential (5IK1RX002962-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9851294. Licensed CC0.

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