Xiaolei Hu

Research
My research focuses on various issues within neurorehabilitation, primarily stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), and COVID-19.
My research team consists of postdoctoral researchers, doctoral students, research nurses, RCT process coordinator, biomedical engineers, and statisticians. My research has received more than 30 million SEK in external funding from sources such as the Swedish Research Council (VR) – treatment research and VR project grants, Forte, the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation, VINNOVA, and the Swedish Stroke Association, as well as internal funding from Central and Base ALF.

Research projects that I are leading include:

• Development and evaluation of digital tools to facilitate structured follow-up and rehabilitation (projects Rehabkompassen®-TBI and Rehabkompassen®-SCI).
• Analysis of the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and resource requirements of these tools.
• Conducting a pragmatic national multicenter RCT to establish strong evidence for digital tools (Rehabkompassen®-Stroke study, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04915027).
• Exploring neuroplasticity in relation to cognitive recovery in middle-aged stroke patients (KOGNEST-fMRI project).
• Implementation of evidence-based motor rehabilitation with high-intensity, task-specific training in clinical practice (IMPRESS project).
• Evaluation of the post-stroke rehabilitation care pathway across Europe (SUSTAIN-EU project).
• Review and synthesis of the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI-USA project).
• Development and global testing of a health information tool, ClinFIT COVID-19, based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).

Rehabilitation is one of the most critical health strategies within healthcare and society. My research aims to contribute innovative solutions and strong evidence not only at the micro-level but also at the meso- and macro-levels to address challenges in healthcare system nowadays. Our hypotheses is that this will enable patient-centered rehabilitation and improve daily activities, participation, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities in a cost-effective manner. Thus, this may reduce both suffering and the significant societal costs associated with these conditions.

Clinical Practice
As a senior consultant in rehabilitation medicine, I leads and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to provide patient-centered rehabilitation for individuals with various neurological disabilities in the clinical practice at Norrland University Hospital.

Educations & Professional Licensure

• Senior Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine, 2022
• Associate Professor in Rehabilitation Medicine, 2022
• Specialist Physician in Rehabilitation Medicine, 2017
• Licensed Physician in Sweden, 2012
• Medical Degree, Umeå University, 2009
• PhD, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, 2003

Medical Degree & Physician License in China, 1992

Appointments (Selected)

• 2025– , Co-Chair, ClinFit Committee, International Society of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM)
• 2024– , Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine - Clinical Communications
• 2024–2025, Reviewer for the Swedish Research Council
• 2023–2027, Coordinator, Scientific Committee, European Society of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine (ESPRM)
• 2023–2027, Board Member, ESPRM
• 2023–2025, Reviewer for the Faculty’s grant applications from the Donation Fund, Umeå University
• 2019–2027, Chair, Persons with Stroke Working Group, ESPRM
• 2019–2025, International Liaison and Board Member, the Stroke iSIG (International Special Interest Group), American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM)
• 2014–2016, Chair of the Residency, Resident Representative, and Board Member, Swedish Society of Rehabilitation Medicine (SFRM)

Awards (Selected)

• 2022, ACRM Fellow
• 2017, Top 20 in Venture Cup, Sweden
• 2017, Innovation Award for Best Idea in Healthcare, Västerbotten County Council