Proteomic Analysis of Exercise-Induced Neuroprotective Proteins in a Mild Ischemic Stroke Cohort: A Pilot Study

Exercise is known to facilitate neuroprotection and neurorepair. This pilot study examined how acute aerobic exercise at very low, low, and moderate intensities alters the abundance of serum proteins linked to stroke risk and neuroprotection in eight mild ischemic stroke patients. Serum proteomics revealed that even gentle exercise accompanied measurable changes in the abundance of proteins involved in inflammation, immunity, cholesterol regulation, and cardiovascular and brain health. These findings may help guide future targeted research on these neuroprotective and neurorepairative proteins and inform exercise-based strategies for stroke recovery and rehabilitation.