Boise State Human Performance Lab

Testing Services
Body Composition:
The measurement of body composition is the calculation of the portion of the fat and lean tissue components of the body. It is used to determine body fat percentage and then calculate a recommended body weight. The lab is equipped to do three different kinds of body composition testing: hydrostatic (under water) weighing, Bod Pod and skin fold calipers. Metabolic Testing:
Resting Metabolic Rate: Resting metabolic rate is the energy required by the body to maintain the vital functions of the body in a resting state. This value allows you to calculate total daily energy expenditure, approximate the energy substrates being used, and to estimate caloric intake needs. This is a test conducted to determine the maximal amount of oxygen the body is able to consume per minute of physical activity. This measurement is used to determine cardiovascular fitness level and can somewhat predict aerobic performance. The lab is equipped to do maximal testing on a variety of different ergometers (bicycles, rowing) and on the treadmill. Lactate/Anaerobic/Ventilatory threshold: This is a test to determine the exercise intensity at which the body’s ability to clear lactate is exceeded by lactate production. This measurement is used to more accurately prescribe optimum training intensities for aerobic events such as cycling and distance running. Anaerobic power test: The Wingate Anaerobic Power Test is used to assess peak anaerobic power, anaerobic fatigue and total anaerobic capacity. These values can be used to more accurately prescribe optimum training intensities for aerobic events such as cycling and distance running and for anaerobic events, i.e. Sub-maximal testing: Sub-maximal exercise tests are conducted to estimate maximal values and workloads. Sub-max testing is not as intense as maximal and does not require as much equipment or physical exertion. Tests include stair stepping, cycle ergometery, and treadmill protocols. Other Testing:
Pulmonary Function Testing: Pulmonary function testing is done to determine lung function values such as total lung volume, vital capacity and fractional capacities. These volumes and components of lung function and are important determinants of pulmonary health. Exercise Stress Test: An exercise stress test is a maximal effort test that is conducted while connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG). The ECG records the electrical activity of the heart. This test is conducted to monitor the heart while under the stress of exercise and can be diagnostic for various cardiovascular diseases. Your physician must be present to diagnose and read the ECG. Isometric Strength: Isometric strength is the maximal force that a muscle group can exert in a fixed position. It can be performed to determine strength and muscular balance. Optimum strength and antagonistic muscle balance reduce the risk of injury and enhance performance. Isometric strength tests include: abdominal, chest press, low back, shoulder press, and upper back, as well as others. Flexibility Testing: Flexibility is an important measure of an individual’s ability to move through the range of motion without causing injury. Optimum flexibility can reduce the risk of injury and enhance performance. Flexibility tests include: low back and hamstring, trunk rotation, and shoulder as well as others. Other tests and protocols can be utilized and/or developed to meet your specific needs and interests. send us a message!