As it turns out, space may not be the final frontier after all. Within the Silicone Valley in Mountain View, California, the NASA Ames Research Park is currently exploring a new field—sports rehabilitation.
Researchers at the facility have pioneered a new fitness technology—known as the Vasper System—designed to simultaneously maximize muscle function while minimizing workout time.
The fitness system, futuristic in appearance, looks similar to a cycling machine, only with a lot more wires attached to it. On the other end of the wires are cooled compression pads, which attach to the user’s arms and legs.
As explained by the Vasper website, the compression from the pads concentrates blood in the biceps and quads, leading to a large build-up of lactic acid in those areas.
The process, known as bio-mimicry, is designed to simulate intense physical exercise, which leaves the body filled with lactic acid. Because the build-up of lactic acid is so high, the brain receives very strong feedback to release growth hormones to repair damaged tissue. And while this effect typically requires a long period of exertion, the Vasper System achieves the same result in only 20 minutes—a.k.a, the “Vasper Effect”.
However, the Vasper system doesn’t stop there. The wires connected to the compression pads contain cooling liquid, which is kept within a range between 40 and 53 degrees Fahrenheit. By putting the body at a lower temperature, oxygen remains in the bloodstream for a longer period of time. In a recent interview with Wired Magazine, head researcher Peter Wasowski states that the same thing occurs for swimmers, whose bodies are surrounded by water.
As with swimming, the Vasper system enables athletes to work harder by capitalizing on the greater amount of oxygen present in their bloodstream. Thus, the system maximizes physical exertion and creates more efficient workouts.
Needless to say, the Vasper system holds serious promise for injured players. Stronger production of growth hormones could potentially translate into faster recoveries, while reduced exercise time would minimize the chance for re-injury. Additionally, athletes may even be able to avoid losing cardiovascular fitness thanks to the hyper-efficiency of the cooling technology. Recovery time aside, being able to return to the game on the same physical level as they were before would be a huge boost to any injured player.
Data from studies using the Vasper System is forthcoming; however, it’s potential impact can hardly be overstated. Should the Vasper System achieve all that it has aimed for, science fiction may quickly become sports reality. Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, and MJD—hold your breath.