Susan Linder PT, DPT, NCS, PhD

Susan M. Linder, DPT, PhD, serves as director of clinical research for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 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 in 2004, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from D’Youville College in 2011, and a PhD in Health Sciences from Youngstown State University in 2022. She became Board Certified as a Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy in 2004 and recertified in 2014. Dr. Linder’s lab aims to improve the quality of life in individuals with neurological conditions by investigating the ability of aerobic exercise to elicit neuroprotection and facilitate neuroplasticity.

Dr. Linder has been the primary investigator on four clinical trials investigating the role of aerobic exercise on neuroplasticity post-stroke, one trial in persons with multiple sclerosis, and a co-investigator in trials involving exercise and Parkinson’s disease. Her current trial in persons with subacute stroke aims to investigate the effects of aerobic cycling on motor recovery and the mechanisms associated with aerobic cycling as it relates to brain function.