An interventional study of B-POC high load intervention and B-POC low load intervention in Physical Performance, sponsored by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). Recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 40 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2022-03-31.
Sponsored by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) · Not applicable, Interventional, and Basic science
Brain-Physical Optimization Conditioning (B-POC) aims to enhance physical performance by expanding the traditional focus of endurance training from purely physical training to the domain of cognitive endurance (Staiano et al., 2015; Dallaway et al., 2017). The current study seeks to isolate neurocognitive mechanisms of performance, particularly under high stress (e.g., physical or cognitive load) conditions, and to develop corresponding cognitive optimization tools.
Brain-Physical Optimization Conditioning (B-POC) aims to enhance physical performance by expanding the traditional focus of endurance training from purely physical training to the domain of cognitive endurance (Staiano et al., 2015; Dallaway et al., 2017). B-POC uses an acute mentally fatiguing task during routine exercise with the aim of optimizing the effects of physical endurance (e.g., aerobic exercise). B-POC differs from other types of cognitive training by increasing the cognitive demands of a specific concurrent task rather than teaching a cognitive strategy and relying on task transfer effects. Similar to strengthening a muscle, cognitive trainings may be one means of increasing Soldier's cognitive capacity and improving performance (Walton et al., 2018).
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is the lead sponsor of 20 studies on the registry; 5 are open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
aerobic exercise \[heartrate range (HRR) 70-75% of max HR, on treadmill\] and a computerized high-load task for 45 minutes, 3 times per week, for 6 weeks
Behavioral: B-POC high load intervention
aerobic exercise \[heartrate range (HRR) 70-75% of max HR, on treadmill\] and a computerized low-load task for 45 minutes, 3 times per week, for 6 weeks
Behavioral: B-POC low load intervention
aerobic exercise \[heartrate range (HRR) 70-75% of max HR, on treadmill\] and a computerized high-load task for 45 minutes, 3 times per week, for 6 weeks
aerobic exercise \[heartrate range (HRR) 70-75% of max HR, on treadmill\] and a computerized low-load task for 45 minutes, 3 times per week, for 6 weeks
Time to Failure Test
The Time to Failure Test (TFT) requires participants to run on a treadmill with increases in either grade (0.5% increase) and speed (\~0.3-0.5 mph) every two minutes in an alternating format for the first 16 minutes, after which settings remain constant until self termination of the exercise. The TFT settings (work rate) are calculated from an individual's last 2 mile run time. Physiological load (heart rate, oxygen consumption) and perceived exertion (RPE) are measured throughout the TFT. The primary outcome is change in time to failure (minutes, seconds) on the endurance test from baseline to post0test (\~7 weeks).
Time frame: 7 weeks
Dynamic Marksmanship
The Dynamic Marksmanship Test requires participants to complete four increasingly difficult phases of target identification (friend vs. foe) and elimination using a rifle marksmanship simulator (EST). The test is completed both before and after a 3-mile ruck march, which is completed with +30% bodyweight. Physiological output (HR), and subjective ratings of workload (NASA-TLX) are assessed throughout each marksmanship test. The primary outcome is change in accuracy (%) from pre-ruck performance to post-ruck performance.
Time frame: Pre-to-post ruck time (~30-90 minutes)
Plan to share: No
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Started Oct 2020 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Oct 2023, 36 months after the start.
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Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR)