We hypothesize, that voluntary exercise is positively influencing (molecular) mechanisms crucial for stroke recovery, taking into account CBF, structural and functional (f)MRI parameters, molecular markers (VEGF, BDNF), vascular density/quality (GLUT-1+ vessels and intensity), neuroinflammation (IBA-1+ microglia and macrophages) and behavioral read-outs in a mouse stroke model 1 week post-stroke. The gene discussed is AIF1; the disease is stroke disorder.