Research
Dr. Linder’s research focuses on developing and testing and rehabilitation strategies that promote neuroplasticity and neuroprotection in individuals with neurological conditions. Her lab emphasizes translational research that connects mechanistic insights with real-world recovery outcomes after neurological injury. Her work integrates clinical trials with biomechanical, electrophysiological and biomarker-based data to better understand how the nervous system responds to rehabilitation and exercise.
Biography
Dr. Susan Linder is Associate Professor and Director of Research for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Cleveland Clinic. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy in 1993 from Cleveland State University, a Master’s degree in Health Science from the University of Indianapolis, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from D’Youville College, and PhD in Health Sciences from Youngstown State University. She became Board Certified as a Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy in 2004 and recertified in 2014.
Education & Professional Highlights
Education & Training
Cleveland State University
BS, Physical Therapy
Cleveland, Ohio
1989-1993
University of Indianapolis
MHS, Health Sciences
Indianapolis, IN
2001-2004
D'Youville College
DPT, Physical Therapy
Buffalo, NY
2009-2011
Youngstown State University
PhD, Health Sciences
Youngstown, OH
2020 - 2022
Licensure
Ohio Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Athletic Training Board
PT6294
1993-2028
Certification
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, Neurologic Physical Therapy
8156
2004-2024
Professional Society Memberships
American Physical Therapy Association: Member (1991-Present)
Society for Neuroscience: Member (2013-present)
American Heart Association: Member (2013-present)
Honors & Awards
Best Research Platform Presentation, Ohio Physical Therapy Association State Conference, 2011
Cleveland Clinic Innovator Award, 2013
Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Excellence Award, 4/2014
Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Excellence Award, 12/2019
Stroke Rehabilitation Award, International Stroke Conference, Awarded by American Heart Association, 2/2024
Research
General Overview
Dr. Linder’s lab aims to investigate novel approaches that optimize neuroplasticity and elicit neuroprotection in individuals with neurological conditions. Motor recovery is measured using both clinical and biomechanical outcomes. Given our interest in understanding the neurophysiological effects of rehabilitation, we also employ electrophysiological outcomes and blood biomarkers.
Dr. Linder has been the principal investigator on clinical trials investigating the role of aerobic exercise on neuroplasticity post-stroke and in individuals with multiple sclerosis. She is co-investigator for first in human trials involving the use of deep brain stimulation in stroke recovery.
In addition to the infromation below, you can learn more about Dr. Linder’s research here.
The I-SCORE Trial (Intensive Stroke Cycling for Optimal Recovery and Economic Value)
Sponsor Agency and ID #: National Institutes of Health R01HD114650
Role: Principal Investigator
Project goal: To determine the effects of forced-rate exercise in facilitating upper and lower extremity motor recovery post-stroke in an outpatient rehabilitation setting, elucidate neural and biochemical substrates of FE-induced motor recovery, and to evaluate cost effectiveness of a forced-rate exercise-centered intervention compared to traditional stroke rehabilitation.
Rehab with Electrical Stimulation Therapy to Optimize Rehabilitation Effect (RESTORE): A Pivotal Study
Role: Co-Investigator
Project goal: To evaluate the neurmodulatory effects of cerebellar deep brain stimulation for stroke recovery.
Selected Publications
Miller Courtney R, Taylor Dawn, Bethoux Francois, Bischof-Bockbrader Andrea, DeSilva Tara M, Streicher Matthew C, Lapin Brittany, Udeh Belinda L, Singh Tamanna, Clark Cynthia, Kwasny Lindsay, O'Neill Mary, Harris Donayja, Linder Susan M. The Intensive Stroke Cycling for Optimal Recovery and Economic Value Trial: Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial. Phys Ther. 2025. 41288607.
Linder Susan. Perceived barriers and facilitators to high-intensity gait training in stroke rehabilitation: A Delphi study. Clin Rehabil. 2025. 40853351.
Rilinger Ryan, Miller Koop Mandy, Streicher Matt, Davidson Sara, Miller Courtney, Harris Donayja, Corrigan Patrick, Bethoux Francois. Forced-Rate Aerobic Cycling Improves Locomotor Function and Gait Biomechanics in Individuals With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2025. 40720308.
Thompson Nicolas R, Linder Susan M, Karim Randy, Bethoux Francois. Feasibility and Outcomes of Gait Training With a Powered Exoskeleton in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2025. 40465831.
Linder Susan M, Bischof-Bockbrader Andrea, Ince Hocaoglu Ozlenen Eylul, Bethoux Francois, Davidson Sara, Harris Donayja, Li Yadi, Lapin Brittany, Alberts Jay L. Task Practice With and Without Aerobic Exercise Improves Health-related Quality of Life and Social Participation Post-stroke: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2025. 40401784.
Ruff Jessica, Udeh Belinda, Linder Susan. Cardiac Rehabilitation for Persons with Stroke: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2025. 39748671.
Maag Logan, Linder Susan, Hackett Loren, Mitchkash Matthew, Farley Tyler, Fisher Nolan, Burnham Ben. Effectiveness of Percutaneous Needle Tenotomy for Tendinopathies: A Systematic Review. Sports Health. 2025. 39238190.
Johnson Joshua K, Gevertzman Michael, Jefferson Corey, Linder Susan M, Bethoux Francois, Stilphen Mary. The Use of Telerehabilitation to Improve Movement-Related Outcomes and Quality of Life for Individuals With Parkinson Disease: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res. 2024. 39083792.
Li Yadi, Lapin Brittany, Streicher Matt. Intensive Aerobic Cycling Is Feasible and Elicits Improvements in Gait Velocity in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Preliminary Study. Int J MS Care. 2024. 38765298.
Davidson Sara, Bischof-Bockbrader Andrea, Zimmerman Eric, Rosenfeldt Anson B, Alberts Jay L, Linder Susan M. Characterizing Heart Rate Response During Upper Extremity Repetitive Task Practice in Chronic Stroke. Am J Occup Ther. 2024. 38466612.
Linder Susan M, Bischof-Bockbrader Andrea, Davidson Sara, Li Yadi, Lapin Brittany, Singh Tamanna, Lee John, Bethoux Francois, Alberts Jay L. The Utilization of Forced-Rate Cycling to Facilitate Motor Recovery Following Stroke: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2024. 38420848.
Linder Susan M, Lee John, Bethoux Francois, Bischof-Bockbrader Andrea, Davidson Sara, Li Yadi, Lapin Brittany, Roberts Julie, Troha Alexandra, Maag Logan, Singh Tamanna, Alberts Jay L. An 8-week Forced-rate Aerobic Cycling Program Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Persons With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2024. 38350494.
Simmons Sarah B, Harris Donayja, Skolaris Alexis, Fricker Tori, Li Yadi, Lapin Brittany, Galioto Rachel, Bethoux Francois, Linder Susan M. Aerobic cycling reduces fatigue and improves pain in persons with multiple sclerosis: A preliminary study. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2023. 37925962.
Linder Susan M, Koop Mandy Miller, Alberts Jay L. Letter to the Editor, Reply: Invited commentary on "An 8-week aerobic cycling intervention elicits improved gait velocity and biomechanics in persons with Parkinson's disease". Gait Posture. 2024. 37801869.
Khan Madeeha, Maag Logan M, Harnegie Mary Pat, Linder Susan M. The effects of cycling on walking outcomes in adults with stroke: a systematic review. Top Stroke Rehabil. 2024. 37732513.
Linder Susan M. Increased Comfortable Gait Speed Is Associated With Improved Gait Biomechanics in Persons With Chronic Stroke Completing an 8-Week Forced-Rate Aerobic Cycling Intervention: A Preliminary Study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2023. 37026847.
Linder Susan M, Baron Elise, Koop Mandy Miller, Espy Debbie, Streicher Matt, Alberts Jay L. Increased comfortable gait speed is associated with improved gait biomechanics in persons with Parkinson's disease completing an 8-week aerobic cycling intervention. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2022. 36265296.
Linder Susan M, Baron Elise, Koop Mandy Miller, Penko Amanda, Espy Debbie, Streicher Matt, Alberts Jay L. An 8-week aerobic cycling intervention elicits improved gait velocity and biomechanics in persons with Parkinson's disease. Gait Posture. 2022. 36265219.