Cardiac Rehabilitation of Stroke Survivors (SRP-CROSS)

Stroke Recovery Program-Cardiac Rehabilitation of Stroke Survivors

This study examines the effectiveness of the cardiac rehabilitation program for stroke patients. The study will examine if patients with stroke, who receive cardiac rehabilitation in addition to their standard of care treatments, demonstrate improved recovery of function. It will also examine if these patients have reduced hospital readmission, reduced rate of recurrent stroke, and mortality.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• Stroke diagnosis (ischemic or hemorrhagic) / radiologic evidence of acute stroke
• Medically cleared by a cardiologist for participation in the cardiac rehabilitation program with no contraindications to cardiac rehabilitation per American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) guidelines
• Ability to transfer on/off the recumbent bike with or without an assistive device safely, with or without assistance from another person
• Ability to follow simple commands and communicate pain or distress
• Admission to an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility post-stroke
• Signed informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracranial aneurysm, intracranial hemangioma, or arteriovenous malformation
• Medical disorders that preclude participation in the study as determined by the Principal Investigator.
• Inability to have baseline assessment within 60 days post-stroke diagnosis
• Patient considered unable to comply with study requirements
• Known terminal illness with life expectancy less than 1 year
• Compliant diagnosis eligible for traditional cardiac rehabilitation covered by insurance
• Unable to understand/speak English