Help & Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers for prospective athlete participants, researchers, and anyone curious about our work — plus a plain-language glossary.
Can NCAA athletes participate in HERO Lab studies?
Our studies primarily involve UCLA Division I varsity athletes. Eligibility and current openings depend on the study and are confirmed by the research team. UCLA athletes can ask about the Fall 2026 magnesium formulation study.
How do I enroll as an athlete?
Start with the Fall 2026 magnesium study participation page and email the research team to ask about eligibility, visits, and current openings. You can also read the formulation trial registration (NCT07640685). The earlier MgT trial (NCT07015047) is complete. Participation is confirmed by the study team and requires informed consent and IRB-approved procedures.
What is magnesium L-threonate (MgT)?
Magnesium L-threonate is a form of magnesium that, unlike most magnesium salts, can cross the blood-brain barrier. That property makes it a candidate for supporting sleep quality and cognitive recovery — which is why we studied it in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot of 107 NCAA Division I athletes. See the study →
Is WHOOP scientifically validated?
Independent validation studies report roughly 99% agreement between WHOOP and gold-standard ECG for heart rate and heart rate variability, and strong agreement with polysomnography for sleep staging. We use WHOOP for continuous, real-world physiological monitoring. See the evidence →
What is heart rate variability (HRV)?
Heart rate variability is the small variation in time between consecutive heartbeats. Higher HRV generally reflects better autonomic (nervous-system) recovery and readiness, so we track it as an objective recovery marker across our studies.
Are HERO Lab findings peer-reviewed?
We clearly distinguish between peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations (posters and podium talks), and manuscripts in preparation. Conference results — such as our AMSSM 2026 magnesium and concussion posters — are preliminary; full peer-reviewed manuscripts follow.
What does the HERO Lab study?
HERO Lab (Human Enhancement Recovery Optimization) is a UCLA + UCSF research collaboration studying sleep, recovery, and athletic performance in NCAA Division I athletes, using wearable technology and randomized clinical trials. Focus areas include supplementation, cold water immersion, concussion recovery, and wearable biometrics.
Plain-Language Glossary
Quick definitions for the terms that show up across our studies.
- MgT (Magnesium L-Threonate)
- A form of magnesium that crosses the blood-brain barrier, studied for sleep and cognitive recovery.
- HRV (Heart Rate Variability)
- Variation in time between heartbeats; a marker of autonomic recovery and readiness.
- RHR (Resting Heart Rate)
- Heart rate at rest; lower values often indicate better cardiovascular recovery.
- Autonomic recovery
- Recovery of the body’s automatic (rest-and-digest) nervous system after stress or training.
- CWI (Cold Water Immersion)
- Submersion in cold water after exercise to aid recovery and reduce muscle soreness.
- DOMS
- Delayed-onset muscle soreness — the achiness felt 24–72 hours after hard training.
- SCAT6
- Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, 6th edition — a standardized concussion symptom assessment.
- Oculomotor testing
- Measurement of eye-movement control, used as an objective marker in concussion recovery.
- Responder analysis
- Identifying the subgroup of athletes who benefit most from an intervention, often via wearable data.
- Placebo-controlled
- A study design where some participants receive an inactive comparison so real effects can be isolated.
- Double-blind
- Neither participants nor researchers know who received the active treatment until the study ends.
- IRB
- Institutional Review Board — the ethics committee that approves and oversees human research.