Our goal in the REACH laboratory is to understand the cardiovascular adaptations leading to chronic diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke.

We use non-invasive methods to study the heart, lungs, brain and vascular system. Through a better understanding of the cellular processes modulating vascular function in individuals with disease, we can explore the possibility that exercise interventions can improve vascular health.

Using data acquired during its projects, the REACH laboratory team is developing effective exercise interventions that maximize cardiovascular health in people with and without disease.

View current studies >>

Get Involved in Our Research

Please complete the form below if you are interested in learning about our currently enrolling studies.

Fitness After Stroke Trial (FAST) Study

Have you had a stroke within the past 5 years? Did the stroke affect your walking speed or endurance?

If yes, you may qualify for the Fitness After Stroke Trial (FAST). The purpose of FAST is to compare different types of exercise for improving your fitness, walking, and brain health after stroke.

Qualifications:

• Age 20-85 years
• Had a stroke between 6 months to 5 years ago
• Be able to walk short distances

If eligible, you will:

• Receive walking testing, aerobic fitness testing, and measure of vascular health

• Receive up to 12 free exercise training sessions using a seated stepper

Study Details:

• Study will take up to 8 weeks
• Visits will take place on the University of Kansas Medical Center campus
• Parking is free and connected to our building
• Transportation assistance may be available
• Participants will be compensated up to $250

For more information and to see if you qualify, contact Sasha Moores at 913-588-2697 or email reachlab@kumc.edu.

Moderate-Intensity Walking Versus High-Intensity Interval Training (HIT-Stroke 2 Study) to Recover Walking Post-Stroke

Join our HIT-Stroke 2 Trial to improve your walking function after a stroke!

Dr. Sandra Billinger, PT, Ph.D., is leading this research study comparing different types of walking exercise for improving walking ability and health.

You may be eligible to participate if you experienced a stroke at least 6 months ago, are between 30-85 years old, can walk short distances (braces and assistive devices are allowed), and want to improve your walking.

Your participation and completion of the study may result in improved walking endurance, walking speed, quality of life, and decreased fatigue. All exercise sessions with a licensed physical therapist are provided at no cost to you. You will also be paid $75 after completion of each of the 5 testing visits (up to $375 total).

Participants will be randomized to either moderate-intensity continuous walking or high-intensity interval walking. The study summary is as follows:

• Duration: 12-week intervention (this time does not include testing visits)
• Frequency: 3, 60-minute visits/week
• Exercise Type: All sessions will be with a licensed physical therapist, and they will include treadmill walking with a safety harness and overground walking
• Goals: Improve walking, fitness, quality of life and fatigue

For more information please contact Sasha Moores at 913-588-2697 or by email at reachlab@kumc.edu.

Assessing Cerebral Brain Blood Flow and Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (ACERT) Database

Join the ACERT database to help us better understand brain blood flow at rest and during exercise across the lifespan.

How do I qualify to join the ACERT database?

• You are a healthy individual between the ages of 20-85
• You are willing to travel to KU Medical Center for one visit to the REACH Laboratory
• You are willing to exercise at three exercise intensities

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact the lab at reachlab@kumc.edu.