Performance Testing Centre

Test procedures involve a multistage graded exercise test (e.g. 1 min intervals) designed to achieve exhaustion. Oxygen consumption is monitored continuously throughout the test via a breath-by-breath gas analyser connected to a facemask. Heart rate is also monitored continuously throughout the test to elicit a maximum heart rate.

Your data will be presented in the form of a written report and will include oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange ratio (RER). All data will be explained fully within the report. The test can be performed on an ergometer of choice (e.g. exercise/road bike, treadmill or rower), dependent on the individual’s preference.

Test time approximately one hour.

NOTE: In some cases a sub-maximal test may be recommended over a maximal test. Data from the submaximal test can be extrapolated to provide an estimate of maximal oxygen consumption without emphasising the need for the individual to exercise until exhaustion. Submaximal testing may be of particular use for routine fitness monitoring, or for special populations with certain exercise contraindications (e.g. those with cardiovascular or respiratory implications). The test protocol involves an incremental exercise test to set criteria, performed on an ergometer of choice dependent on the individual’s preference.

Test time approximately one hour.

Test procedures involve capillary blood sampling (fingertip prick) during a multistage incremental exercise test (4 min stages) to determine blood lactate levels. Heart rate is also monitored continuously throughout the test.

The exercise intensity and heart rate at which the lactate threshold occurs can be used to construct heart rate based training zones. Training at/above the lactate threshold can improve the intensity at which the threshold occurs and is often used in endurance training. All data will be explained within the written report. Gas analysis can be assessed simultaneously, if required. The test can be performed on an ergometer of choice (e.g. exercise/road bike, treadmill or rower), dependent on the individual’s preference.

Test time approximately one hour.

i) Blood pressure measurement:

Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate can be assessed via an automatic blood pressure monitor (British Hypertensive Society approved). This is a quick process and measurements are typically provided within 30 seconds of the reading. Your results will be compared to recommended values.

ii) Haematocrit, Haemoglobin and Glucose:

Haemoglobin (Hb) is the iron-containing protein in red blood cells that increases the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Haematocrit (Ht) is the ratio of red blood cells to total blood volume. From a health and performance point of views, Hb and Ht levels should be within the recommended range. The measurement of Hb and Ht can be used as an early warning of iron deficiency / anemia (when the reading is lower than the norm). Your results will be compared to recommended values.

The glucose reading will tell us the concentration of sugar in your blood. A too high level of glucose (hyperglycemia) is likely to be caused by diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia also causes a decrease in cognitive performance.

iii) Body composition assessment:

Body composition is estimated via Bioelectrical impedance analysis:

During this test, body composition (fat mass, fat free mass, estimated muscle mass) is assessed via the method of bioelectrical impedance, where very small electrical signals are passed through the body from four metal electrodes in contact with the hands and feet. This is a quick, pain free process and measurements are typically provided within 30 seconds of the reading. Your results will be compared to recommended values.

Following the above assessments, feedback and advice will be provided and a detailed report will be send by e-mail.

Measurements can be performed across a range of joints, with the knee being the most common site tested. An isokinetic assessment can be used to monitor the effectiveness of an exercise intervention, or to aid rehabilitation from injury. The test results can be used to establish muscle imbalances or weaknesses that require improvement (e.g. quadriceps: hamstring ratio; limb deficits).

Testing takes between 30-45 minutes to complete.

A Bod Pod is used to estimate body composition. The Bod-Pod uses Air-Displacement Plethysmography technique and is one of the gold standard techniques to quantify precisely body fat and fat free masses. Height, weight and body composition are measured to allow comparison with sport-specific and/or healthy ranges. The results will be compared to reference values and advice will be given accordingly.

Eating real and nutrient dense foods is key to optimal health as well as maximising sporting performance. Prior to the consultation, you will be asked to keep a food diary for a week which we will analyse to make individualised recommendations. Meals, food ideas, timings and fasting will be discussed as well as some aspects of the physiology of human nutrition (e.g., insulin resistance, gluconeogenesis).

Session time: one hour.

This service involves working with a British Psychological Society Chartered Sports Psychologist (HCPC registered) or individuals under supervised training towards Chartered or Accredited status in a one-to-one and/or group setting. Over the course of a number of pre-determined sessions you will work collaboratively with the practitioner to identify your psychological strengths and needs (e.g. confidence enhancement, anxiety management, coping with pressure, dealing with injury, and strategies to enhance resilience and motivation) and you will be taught techniques (e.g. effective goal-setting, imagery, self-talk strategies) tailored to your needs that will support your training and/or performance. Follow-up sessions will be available to ensure that your needs are met.

Session time one hour.