NEW for 2018!
Veterans needed for exercise therapy  study!
The study will consist of researching the effects of a particular exercise modality and device, utilizing three 20-minute exercise sessions per week for 6 weeks.  No cost to the veteran.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
​Location
The study will be conducted at Warrior Evolved, located at 402 W. Garden of the Gods Rd., Colorado Springs, CO  80907.

Time Commitment
The pilot study will require 7 weeks; 1 week for initial assessments & testing (1-2 total hours); 6 weeks of controlled exercise sessions on the Vasper (90 minutes/week); the final session will take 60-90 minutes total in order to do some exit surveys, etc.

When The Study Is Being Conducted
The study will be conducted over several 6-week iterations throughout 2018:
  • Iteration 1:
    • Complete!
  • Iteration 2:
    • Complete!
  • ​Iteration 3:
    • Complete!
    Iteration 4:
    • Currently ongoing! (started mid-June, ends late September)​​
    Iteration 5:
    • ​Projected dates 1 October to 16 November
    • 1-5 October is "0 week" - Demo sessions on the Vasper, intake paperwork, surveys, etc.

Goal
The primary goal of the research study is to determine if exercise sessions conducted on the Vasper machine can improve multiple markers of fitness and quality of life for veterans; more information on the training involved below.
VASPER TRAINING SESSIONS:
  • 3 x 20 minute training sessions / week
  • 20 minutes of interval training + 10 minutes of focused recovery (30 minutes total/session)
  • Individualized protocols to accommodate the fitness level of the veteran​
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Perform 4 non-invasive take-home hormone panels to measure specific hormone levels:
    • ​Pre-study (0 week)
    • Mid-study (end of week 3)
    • Post-study (end of last session)
    • 6-week post-study (6 weeks after last session)
  • Use a sleep quality wearable (ring) at night throughout the study
  • Complete pre-, mid- & post-study questionnaires and assessments
  • Commitment to 90 minutes each week (3 x 30 minute sessions) during the 6-week study
POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
  • Increased anabolic hormone production (testosterone, growth hormone)
  • Reduced stress (decreased cortisol)
  • Enhanced cognitive function
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Expedited recovery
  • Accelerated weight loss & muscle gain
  • Optimized cardiovascular fitness
Exercise on Vasper has been demonstrated safe by use in two published studies ["Pilot Safety Study: The Use of Vasper, A Novel Blood Flow Restriction Exercise, In Healthy Adults." (J Exercise Phys, Gladden J et al, 2016 Apr) and  "Aerobic Exercise Enabled with Rehabilitation Technology Improves Mobility and Balance of Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Quality Assurance Report." (Int J Phys Med Rehabil, Byl N et al, 2014)]. These studies demonstrate that Vasper does not represent an increased risk of injury or adverse event in comparison to regular exercise sessions and rehabilitation exercise programs. There is an inherent risk of injury with exercise that is recognized. Please consult your physician for questions about physical risks of exercise.