Using the extensive BASES accredited facilities, equipment and expertise based at Kingston University, the Human Performance Laboratory provides sport science consultancy to athletes of all standards; from amateur to elite. Staffed by highly experienced sport scientists, we offer laboratory and field-based sport science consultancy in biomechanics, heat acclimation, nutritional analysis and exercise physiology.
Our staff also provide lab tours and visits for local schools and colleges teaching GCSE, A-level and BTEC sports-related qualifications
Past clients range from club to international athletes and a number of teams, including:
The Biomechanics Suite is separated into four designated rooms. The largest is equipped with a state of the art six-camera 3D motion capture system and 2 embedded force platforms. An isokinetic dynamometer is housed in its own area to isolate muscle torque and velocity relations and measure muscle activations through electromyography. The final area is the Anatomy room where students have the opportunity to further their understanding of the skeletal and muscular systems with the numerous real models and interactive programmes via integrated smartboard technology.
- 3D Motion Analysis (Walking/Running/Cycling/Kayaking/Golf)
- 2D Gait Analysis and Cycle Optimisation
- Integrated Force Plate Data
- Postural Assessments
- Range of Motion Tests
This Human Performance Laboratory is separated into five designated rooms. The two larger laboratory spaces are equipped with; Monark cycle ergometers, a treadmill with incline-decline gradient, rowing and kayaking ergometers, a Lode Excalibur Sport air braked cycle ergometer, electromagnetically controlled cycle ergometers, Douglas bag apparatus and breath by breath analysers which allow us to perform both lab and field based assessments as well as a fully functional altitude chamber capable of mimicking approximately 3500m.
The remaining three laboratories house a body composition area which includes a Bod Pod, Tanita segmental analyser and Tanita abdominal fat analyser and numerous other anthropometric assessment tools. We have a designated room equipped to measure blood biochemistry from capillary and venous sampling and the final room is designed for preparation of sport nutrition supplementation.
Physiology tests include
- VO2 Max Performance Tests
- Lactate Threshold
- Lung Function Tests
- Wingate Anaerobic Power Tests
- Body Composition Tests (%Fat)
- Glucose & Cholesterol Testing
Sports Performer
Within this area we offer advice to the sports performer by assessing their current nutritional habits via the use of dietary analysis software, and will offer suggestions regarding methods of supplementation, dietary adjustment, hydration and re-hydration to optimise performance and use of ergogenic aids.
Healthy lifestyle
Exercise plays a key component in our general well-being and health, and therefore warrants integration within our day-to-day lifestyle. Within this section of the sports science consultancy service, we aim to provide physiological screening to people who participate in physical activity for health rather than for competitive sport training. The aims of such support are to:
- Maximise awareness of healthy living and improve fitness of clients
- Provide dietary analysis and make recommendations on existing diet if required
- Advise on appropriate exercise prescription to achieve health and fitness goals
Support for such a framework can be undertaken via individual consultancy or group-based workshops/seminars and laboratory or field-based sessions.
Support
Physiological support within sport is becoming increasingly popular for both athletes and coaches as a scientific means of improving sporting performance of individuals and squads/teams. The aims of such support are to:
- Select key physiological tests specific to the sport
- Monitor and advise on performance enhancement via regular, intermittent physiological testing
- Monitor physiological responses in real-life training or sporting situations
- Develop a physiological performance profile of the athlete(s)
- Plan effective training programs with coaches to maximise physiological adaptation and performance
Testing
Physiological testing for athletes can be either laboratory of field-based in nature and using the expertise and equipment of the Human Performance Laboratory, we are able to offer both laboratory and field-based testing.
