Human Performance Testing
Human performance testing is conducted to assess exercise performance characteristics in order to provide information related to your performance potential, training status in relation to normative values, as well as provide information that may be used to design more effective exercise training regimens.
CONTACTING US
Human performance testing is by appointment only. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please email Gena Irwin, Takeshi Barnes, Ashley Morgan or Nicholas Burd.
Social Media
Staff members and trainees will not communicate with or contact clients through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. Staff members and trainees participate on various social networks, but not in our professional capacity. If you have an online presence, you may encounter one of us. Please do not try to contact any of us via social media. We will not respond.
Location
Department of Kinesiology and Community Health
Louis Freer Hall
906 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
Please find the performance tests we offer, and associated fees, listed below.
Tests for Maximal Aerobic Power and Capacity
Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2max)
VO2max is considered the ‘gold standard’ measure of cardiorespiratory fitness. This test determines the maximal amount of oxygen that can be consumed and used by muscles during exercise, providing a strong indicator of overall fitness level and performance potential. VO2max is normally measured using an exercise mode that most closely reflects the muscular activity used in the athlete’s preferred sport. For example, for athletes in a sport where running is the primary component, a treadmill will be used. For cyclists, a cycle ergometer will be used.
Currently, we only offer tests for the treadmill and cycle ergometer.
The final report to include: VO2, VCO2, maximal aerobic power, and heart rate.
Fee: $100
Other metabolic performance assessments
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) or the rate at which your body uses energy. During this test, we will determine your resting VO2, which allows us to determine your caloric expenditure.
Fee: $100
Tests for Maximal Anaerobic Power and Capacity
Wingate test
One of the most popular tests to determine anaerobic performance is the Wingate 30 second cycle ergometer test. Athletes pedal as fast as they can against a constant resistance load on an ergometer such as a Lode Excalibur Sport. Typical outputs include peak power, mean power over 30 seconds, and percent fatigue. Peak power represents the athlete’s maximal anaerobic power and mean power reflects their maximal anaerobic capacity.
Final report to include: peak and mean power values and fatigue index.
Fee: $50
Tests for Muscle Strength and Power
We offer three types of strength tests: isometric, isokinetic, and dynamic strength tests. Strength and power testing is often used for identification of strengths and/or weaknesses within athletes, testing for muscle imbalances that may lead to injuries, and monitoring training progress.
Final report to include: maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) values, peak and average force, 1 repetition maximum (1RM).
Fee: $50
APPOINTMENTS
Sessions: Assessment and testing services require in-person sessions at our office. The number of sessions varies depending on the specific assessment or testing service selected. Unless otherwise specified, length of each testing session is approximately two hours.
Observations: Because we are a training laboratory with supervised students, we may want to audio or video-record or allow students to observe your session. In such a case, we will do so only with your written consent. You are not permitted to make any type of records of sessions or phone calls with our personnel without our written permission.
Cancellations: Please contact us at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment or wish to discontinue services. After the first unexcused late cancellation or no-show appointment, you may be billed for the appointment time. When this occurs, all services are suspended until the late cancellation/no-show fee is paid in full.
We accept cash and checks (payable to the University of Illinois).