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RESEARCH LIBRARY

The science behind every session

Peer-reviewed studies and clinical research supporting Vasper's unique combination of BFR, HIIT, and active cooling.

Peer-Reviewed RCTMilitary Relevant

Journal of Neurotrauma

Vasper Produces More Stable TBI Recovery Than Conventional Exercise Alone

25 adults with persistent post-concussive symptoms (randomized controlled trial)

Adults experiencing unresolved concussion symptoms for up to one year received either standard aerobic exercise or the same protocol using Vasper. The Vasper group demonstrated significantly less symptom fluctuation, with improvements in cognitive and sleep recovery stability compared to controls.

Key Results

  • Reduced symptom severity fluctuation during treatment (p = 0.03)
  • Improved cognitive and mood stability vs. control (p = 0.02 each)
  • Sleep and cognitive stability sustained at 6-week follow-up (p = 0.007 & 0.02)
Wu, Stark, Gravel, White, Avery, Enis, Cantu · 2021
Regenerative

Andrews Research & Education Foundation Study

A Single Vasper Session Mobilizes Stem Cells Into the Bloodstream

10 healthy males with single session and blood draws at 9 time points

Study examining hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) found consistent elevation of CD34+ stem cells in peripheral circulation within 20 minutes of exercise.

Key Results

  • Significant increase in CD34+ stem cell marker (p = 0.028) within 20 minutes
  • Immune mobilization response confirmed in all 10 participants
  • Mobilized cells were viable and functional
Anz, Hansen, Warrell et al. · 2018
Neurological Rehab

Emerson Hospital Study

Multiple Sclerosis: Vasper Improved Endurance More Than Physical Therapy Alone

3 women with MS (EDSS 2.5-6.5) with combined PT + protocol

MS patients frequently cannot exercise in heat due to symptom exacerbation. The cooling component enabled meaningful exercise. The protocol outperformed PT alone for endurance improvement.

Key Results

  • Vasper stage outperformed PT stage for walking endurance improvement in all 3 subjects
  • Balance and fatigue impact improved in combination with PT
  • Tolerated across a wide range of MS severity (EDSS 2.5-6.5)
Chatiwala, Lammerding, Wernecke · 2018
Internal StudyMetabolic Health

Covenant Medical Internal Study

8% Drop in Blood Sugar in 3 Months - Comparable to Pharmaceutical Intervention

16 Type II Diabetics across 3 sessions/week for 3 months

For patients unable to exercise intensively due to obesity, arthritis, or hypertension, the low-burden protocol produced clinically meaningful blood sugar improvements matching pharmaceutical benchmarks.

Key Results

  • HbA1c decreased 8% on average (8.5 to 7.8 mg/dL, p = 0.002)
  • Average weight loss of 3.6 lbs (p = 0.032)
  • Achieved in patients with comorbidities preventing conventional exercise
Wernecke, Henderson · 2018
Independent StudyVeteran Study

Colorado Springs Center for Human Performance

71% of Veterans Improved Sleep Quality. 100% of Those with Clinical Sleep Disorders Improved.

14 U.S. veterans over 24 sessions across 12 weeks

Veterans completed a 12-week protocol with assessments using clinically validated measures for sleep, quality of life, and respiratory symptoms. Results were particularly striking among more impaired veterans.

Key Results

  • 71% improved sleep quality (p = 0.02)
  • 100% with clinically disturbed sleep improved
  • Statistically significant gains in emotional wellbeing, energy, social function, and general health
Marques, Higgins, Wernecke et al. · 2018
Elite Performance

MLB Internal Study

22.5% Testosterone Increase in Elite Athletes - in Just 2 Weeks

5 professional baseball players across 8 sessions over 2 weeks

Even in elite athletes whose training is already optimized at the highest level, the protocol produced measurable testosterone increases.

Key Results

  • Average testosterone increase of 22.5% across all 5 participants
  • All 5 players showed individual increases
  • Rapid response: measurable gains in just 2 weeks
Professional Baseball (MLB) · 2017
Active Duty Military

U.S. Air Force Internal Study

Vasper Outperformed Conventional Training for Elite Special Operations Operators

10 Pararescuemen across 20 sessions over 6 weeks

Active-duty special operations personnel compared Vasper training against their conventional program, with focus on hormonal profiles and recovery demands.

Key Results

  • More favorable anabolic hormone profile vs. conventional training
  • Elevated testosterone and IGF-1; reduced stress cortisol
  • Elite-level physiological benefit at reduced mechanical load
U.S. Air Force - 131st Pararescue Squadron · 2017
Hormonal Health

Vasper Systems Internal Study

42% Increase in Anabolic Hormones. 69% Decrease in Stress Hormones.

10 males, ages 36-65 across 10-20 sessions

Hormone trial measuring IGF-1, testosterone, DHEAS, cortisol, and estradiol revealed a dramatic shift toward an anabolic, anti-stress state.

Key Results

  • Anabolic growth hormones (IGF-1, testosterone, DHEAS) increased 42% on average
  • Stress & inflammation hormones (cortisol, estradiol) decreased 69% on average
  • Individual IGF-1 gains ranged from +14% to +421%
Vasper Systems · 2017
Vascular Health

Jagiellonian University Medical College Study

One Session Triggers New Blood Vessel Growth and Improves Arterial Health

35 healthy volunteers with single session, vascular imaging + lab draws

Researchers found that a single session significantly elevated markers of angiogenesis and improved arterial stiffness, suggesting therapeutic potential for vascular conditions.

Key Results

  • VEGF (new blood vessel growth factor) significantly elevated (p = 0.000229)
  • CD31 and CD34 vascular markers both significantly increased (p < 0.0001)
  • Arterial stiffness improved after a single session
Schonborn, Trynkiewicz, Maga et al. · 2017
Peer-Reviewed

Journal of Exercise Physiology

Safe Across All Ages and Fitness Levels - Formally Documented

20 subjects, ages 16-78 with escalating pressure protocol

Systematic testing of cardiovascular safety across a wide age and fitness range using escalating cuff pressures confirmed safety with no adverse events.

Key Results

  • Zero adverse cardiovascular events across all participants and 7 sessions
  • Heart rate remained stable across all cuff pressures (0-85 mmHg)
  • Confirmed safe for ages 16 to 78
Gladden, Wernecke, Rector, Tecson, McCullough · 2016
Peer-ReviewedNeurological Rehab

International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Parkinson's Patients Regained Gait Speed, Balance & Endurance in 5 Weeks

9 patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's across 10 sessions

UCSF quality assurance study found that Parkinson's patients achieved aerobic exercise goals and made measurable gains in mobility and balance.

Key Results

  • Gait speed improved 16.4% (p < 0.05)
  • 6-minute walk distance improved 7% (p < 0.05)
  • Balance performance improved 23-28% (p < 0.05)
Byl, Kretschmer et al. · 2014
Fall Prevention

Kahala Nui Independent Living Study

17.7% Improvement in Fall Risk - Nearly 3x Better Than Tai Chi

27 seniors, average age 82 across 12 sessions

In 30-minute sessions (half the length of conventional fall prevention programs), the intervention produced far greater improvements in leg strength and balance than comparable programs.

Key Results

  • Berg Balance Score improved 17.7% vs. 4.9-6.8% for Tai Chi & conventional programs
  • Right leg strength in ideal range: 39% to 89% of participants
  • 70% with moderate-to-high fall risk improved to low risk
Kahala Nui Independent Living · 2013