For Prospective Participants
What the HERO Study Is About
The HERO Study is a human research project at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) funded by the U.S. Department of Defense that involves an autonomic nervous system training strategy called Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRV-B). We are assessing if it can help Veterans and Service Members who still experience symptoms long after a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) differently than a formal education program.
Our goal is simple: to find an alternative approach that can reduce lingering concussion symptoms such as headaches, sleep problems, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating — and find a way to help people feel and perform better in everyday life.
What You’ll Do
If you join the study, you will be randomly chosen (like flipping a coin) to take part in an 11-week program (either a 6-week training or a usual care education program. The program also includes three office visits scheduled before training, 1 week after, and 1 month after program completion.
Depending on which group you’re assigned to, you will either:
- Learn HRV Biofeedback (HRV-B) — breathing exercises that help your body “reset” its stress response
- Attend Education (EDU) sessions — learning tools and information about recovery, stress, and healthy habits
During your on-site visits, you will be asked to:
- Complete short, non-invasive tests using heart rate, breathing, and skin sensors
- Do a few thinking and memory tasks
- Fill out questionnaires about your symptoms, sleep, and daily life
- Provide a lab sample (blood or saliva)
- Wear a small wrist watch device for 1 week to track your sleep and heart rhythms
- Practice the techniques you are learning on your own each day
Where the Study Takes Place
Our clinical research office is located at the VCU Medical Center West Hospital in downtown Richmond. Full address at the bottom of this Webpage.
Time Commitment
Nine in-person visits, including:
- Three office visits (before, after, and one month after the program). Approximately 2-3 hours each.
- Six weekly in-person training sessions (approximately 1 hour each)
- Daily home practice on your own (about 10–20 minutes per day)
Compensation
Participants receive payment for their time and effort after each study visit. Compensation is offered through the VCU Research Prepaid Card program.
Who Can Join
You may be eligible if:
- You are a Veteran or active-duty Service Member (civilians may be eligible in the future and will be placed on wait list for that)
- You experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) that was at least one year ago
- You still have ongoing symptoms from that injury
- You live within driving distance of Richmond, VA
Eligibility will be confirmed during a private screening and remote consent process with our study team.
Your Privacy
- Your information is strictly confidential.
- We use secure, encrypted systems to collect and store data.
- Your study information is kept separate from your identifying information.
- Data will not be shared with individuals or organizations that are not allowed to see it.
- You have a right to know who may access or use your study data.
- Your name or identifying details will never appear in study reports or publications, and only authorized research staff can access your data.
Interested in Learning More?
If you’d like to learn more or see if you qualify, please complete ourHERO Study Interest Form.
It only takes a few minutes, and filling it out does not obligate you to join — it simply lets our team know you’d like more information.
Contact the HERO Team
HERO Study
Virginia Commonwealth University
Email: herostudy@vcu.edu
Website: www.hero-study.org