Human Performance Lab

Low/Moderate Risk

Clients must be "apparently healthy" and meet the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Risk Stratification criteria of Low Risk for a max test or of Moderate Risk for submax test. A physician's medical clearance may be required in some instances. All clients must complete and submit the following forms prior to their testing day: a health history, medical clearance (if Moderate Risk), and Informed Consent (provided at time of test).

No one with a risk stratification of High Risk will be allowed to be assessed in the Human Performance Lab. We regret not being able to provide the cardiorespiratory testing to this population though they may indicate higher performance capacities than some of lower risk. In all cases we encourage checking with your physician prior to testing and exercise training.

Note: At the start of your appointment we will complete remaining paperwork and briefly review test procedures.

• Body Composition - BOD POD®

  The BOD POD® is becoming a gold standard for Body Composition testing. It is one of the best ways to accurately measure your lean mass and fat mass, and also provides resting metabolic rate (the number of calories your body needs to support its basic functions) and Total Energy Expenditure (the number of calories you need to make it through your day).

  Preparing for Your Appointment

  • It is ESSENTIAL you wear form-fitting clothing for accurate results with the BOD POD®. Acceptable clothing includes Spandex, Lycra or other Speedo-type swimsuit, compression shorts, and light weight sports bras (no padding or wires). Individuals with significant body and/or facial hair may experience varied results.
  • Do not eat or exercise within two hours prior to testing
  • Use the restroom, if necessary, prior to testing

  Research studies at major universities have established the outstanding accuracy, safety and speed of the BOD POD®. The BOD POD® analyzes how much you weigh, how much space (air displacement) you take up (volume) and calculates your density. Your body fat percentage is determined from that information.

  Test Length: 15-30 minutes

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS)

  Functional Movement Screening (FMS) is a battery of movement screens that helps to both prevent noncontact injuries and facilitate more effective training techniques. The screening ranks and grades movement patterns key to normal function. It identifies functional limitation and asymmetrics. Clients are provided corrective exercises most effective to restore proper movement and build strength. 

  Test Length: 20 minutes

• Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)

  The Metabolic Test provides insight into TDEE (total daily energy expenditure). Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is a measurement of the energy you burn each day for basic living functions. This test is highly accurate and uses the same technology utilized in hospitals to determine the amount of fat and carbohydrate you are burning (% fat, % carb, and grams) using the Parvo Medic TrueOne Metabolic Analyzer.

  Testing is done in a fasted state while in a relaxed supine position for 30 minutes. This test includes the metabolic analyzer to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide gas exchange, which requires wearing a breathing mask and light headgear.

  Data collected: RMR, resting lactate, resting glucose, resting HR, RER (respiratory exchange ratio), metabolic parameters (calories, carbs (%, grams), fat (%, grams)

  Test Length: 45 minutes

• VO2 Max

  The VO2 (volume of oxygen) Max Test is considered the best measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness. It determines your maximum aerobic capacity, the body's ability to transport and utilize oxygen during exercise. A very high level of physical exertion is required to conduct this test.

  The protocol for the VO2 max test starts with a warm-up stage then every three minutes the stage will increase in intensity (speed, incline and/or resistance). Data is gathered during each progressive stage. Upon reaching the maximum heart rate and/or peak values the exercise stages are stopped and the client cools-down for a period of time while additional data is gathered.

  

  Bruce Protocol Chart

  Data collected: VO2, VCO2, HR, grade, speed or watts, RER (respiratory exchange ratio), RPE (rate of perceived exertion), metabolic parameters (calories, carbs, fat). The Parvo Medic TruOne metabolic monitor is used in the UAA Human Performance Lab. This metabolic cart is used at NASA, USOC (US Olympic Center), Cooper Institute, and many universities. The Parvo is one of the most accurate devices made.

  Test Length: 90 minutes

• Cardiovascular Respiratory Fitness (CRF)

  The Cardiovascular Respiratory Fitness (CRF) Submax Test follows a similar protocol as the VO2 Max but the test is terminated at approximately 85% of the client’s predicted maximum capacity (determined by heart rate). This is a less invasive test (without use of the metabolic analyzer) and provides data to determine appropriate training zones. The submax exercise test can be used to estimate maximal VO2. Metabolic Analyzer is not used with these tests.

  Data collected: HR, grade, speed or watts, RPE (rate of perceived exertion), and blood pressure.

  Test Length: 60 minutes

• Metabolic Efficiency Point (MEP)

  The Metabolic Efficiency Point Test is an ideal test to determine how much carbohydrate and fat is burned during aerobic exercise, as well as what proportion of these fuels your muscles prefer per stage (workload) using metabolic monitor measurements gathered from expired air. 

  The test is divided into two protocols depending on performance goals and training period. Either protocol is considered a submax test. The base or off season protocol is geared towards detecting your fuel utilization (carbohydrate and fat burning ratios) at various intensities/workloads determined by HR, watts or speed and RPE. This data is vital to adjusting macronutrient composition of your daily diet as well as fuel intake surrounding training.

  The competition season protocol is geared toward detecting your fuel utilization at your self-selected race pace, knowing carbohydrate and fat utilization and how much of each fuel will provide valuable data for race day nutrition needs. The metabolic analyzer and accessory equipment is used with these tests.

  Data Collected: VO2, VCO2, HR, grade, speed or watts, RER (respiratory exchange ratio), RPE (rate of perceived exertion), metabolic parameters (calories, carbs, fat)

  Test Length: 120 minutes

• Lactate Threshold (LT)

  The Lactate Threshold (LT) Test is conducted on a treadmill, rowing ergometer or bike (HPL or client). Protocol includes step minute stages of progressive workloads with blood lactate collection (finger or earlobe pinprick) at rest, end of each successive stage and during recovery.

  Lactate levels are highly correlated with performance and often used to determine training zones. Lactate threshold is the maximal intensity that one can maintain for a period of time without tipping the balance between production and clearance of lactate in the blood. Once tipped, muscle fatigue will ensue.

  We recommend the test be completed during a recovery period to minimize effects from overall training fatigue. This test may be combined with the VO2 Max or Metabolic Efficiency Point tests utilizing the metabolic analyzer for an additional fee.

  

  Data collected: Blood lactate (mmol/L), HR, speed or watts, RPE (rate of perceived exertion)

  Test Length: 60 - 90 minutes

• Athletic Performance Profile Assessment

  The Athletic Performance Profile Assessment (APPA) is a combination of specific tests. It is a complete assessment for individuals (customized for client) to plan a fitness or sport conditioning program. Provider comparative values for standard components.

  • Cardiorespiratory Test (VO2 Max or Metabolic Efficiency Point)
  • Muscle Fitness Testing
  • Body Composition via BOD POD®
  • Functional Movement Screening

  
  Test Length: 120 - 150 minutes (average)

• Personal Fitness Assessment (PFA)

  The Personal Fitness Assessment (PFA) is a combination of tests that provide a basic assessment of each of the fitness components (no muscle strength MAX) and Functional Movement Screening.

  PFA includes the following tests:

  • Cardiovascular Respiratory Fitness (CRF)
  • Muscle Fitness Testing
  • Body composition via BOD POD®
  • Functional Movement Screening (FMS)

  
  Test Length: 90 minutes