CIF studies run time Published June 9, 2016 By Senior Airman Amber Carter 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – “Work smarter, not harder,” now applies to a portion of the Air Force physical training test as a result of multiple studies at the Clinical Investigation Facility at David Grant USAF Medical Center. The CIF at Travis Air Force Base, California, performs research on a wide variety of topics. Their recent studies on the 1.5-mile run determined that exercising differently, not more, can reduce the risk of injury and increase performance, according to Bradley Williams, 60th Medical Group clinical research administrator. “The USAF running efficiency curriculum significantly reduces run times of participants without making them work harder,” he said. These findings were determined through an ongoing research study involving 30 participants in a randomized, controlled trial designed to assess the ability of an efficient running curriculum to effect change on the measures outlined in the study, as well as compare delivery methods of the information. “Investigators from the running form study determined run times improved for those taking a running form class compared to the control group, who did not change their run form,” said Williams. A research symposium was scheduled from 12 to 2 p.m. June 9 at the DGMC Patio D, near the dining hall, and covered the findings of the run study as well as other research topics currently being studied at the Clinical Investigation Facility. “The Air Force tests the 1.5-mile run because it is a reflection of an individual’s ‘exercise capacity,’ a measure of overall cardiovascular fitness and not just running speed,” Williams said. “Air Force research focuses on the 1.5 mile run time for the same reason. Additionally, requiring hundreds of thousands of individuals to perform the same running test raises occupational safety research interest in preventing injury while running.” Research participation information There are three different research efforts designed to improve run times by addressing run form, muscle biochemistry and muscle circulation. Participants must be active duty or reservist and at least 18 years old. To qualify to be part of the running study, participants, additionally, must not be on an active running profile and must not have completed the efficient running training program. The running form study has a one-third chance of being in the control group and requires four to six visits over a three-month period with two 1.5-mile runs. “So far, the control group has not improved their run times,” said Williams. “Because of this, study participants assigned to the control group are then given the same curriculum after completing the 90-day study, so that they, too, may benefit.” The muscle biochemistry study gives a blinded dose of creatine or a placebo over a period of time to see how strength and run times change. This study requires a diligent prescribed weekly workout routine. To qualify for the muscle biochemistry study, participants must have a recent passing physical training score between 75 and 89.9 within the last 30 days. They must not be currently taking creatine. “This is the largest creatine study to date and possibly the first to look at run times,” said Williams. “Participants who fail to exercise enough will be dropped from the study.” The muscle circulation study uses the cardiology department’s enhanced external counterpulsation machine to grow new blood vessels throughout the body. This study requires daily 1.5-hour appointments at DGMC cardiology for a month and a half to receive the treatment. In order to qualify for the muscle circulation study, participants must be able to run 1.5 miles and fitness test score must be less than 55 out of 60 points. “Professional athletes use a version of this to improve circulation to their leg muscles,” Williams said. “The effect of new blood vessel growth on running ability has not been directly studied before, but the new blood vessel growth in cardiology patients tends to produce lasting reductions in blood pressure.” For more information about the research efforts, call Melanie Aaron with the 60th Medical Support Squadron at 423-3641.