Sport and Exercise Physiology
A range of services are available to help athletes and teams to achieve their potential through individually tailored testing and advice. Specialist physiologists with support from students, at Coventry University Future Health can monitor the impact of stress on an athlete's body, identifying critical physical components affecting performance. They will work with clients to maximise their development and interaction in order to support and increase performance.
So whether you are preparing for your first fitness challenge, taking on a half marathon, triathlon or trek abroad, the experts and state-of-the-art equipment at Coventry University Future Health can support you with the challenges ahead and provide a package of bespoke support.
Services available include:
- Specialist packages for marathon runners, ultra-endurance and / or expeditions are available on request.
- Individual consultations and needs analysis
- Team monitoring
- Simulated altitude training
- Endurance testing
- Body composition
Cycling Assessment
You will undergo submaximal and maximal tests of physiological fitness including assessments of lactate threshold (exercise intensity at which blood lactate begins to exponentially increase), heart rate and VO2 max (maximal amount of oxygen that can be utilised during maximal exercise). You will also receive other useful information such as functional threshold power (watts/kg bodyweight). Following these tests, a detailed written report of your results will be provided that can be utilised to optimise your training.
Why is the information from this test useful?
A physiological understanding of your body means exercise professionals can plan more effective training sessions which can lead to improvements in performance. This test can also be used as a monitoring tool to track progress over time.
Running Assessment
You will undergo submaximal and maximal tests of physiological fitness including assessments of lactate threshold (exercise intensity at which blood lactate begins to exponentially increase), heart rate, VO2 max (maximal amount of oxygen that can be utilised during maximal exercise) and running economy (steady-state oxygen consumption at a given running velocity). From these tests, you will receive a detailed written report of your results that can be utilised to optimise your training.
Why is the information from this test useful?
A physiological understanding of your body means exercise professionals can plan effective training sessions which can lead to improvements in performance. This test can also be used as a monitoring tool to track progress over time.
Rowing Assessment
You will undergo submaximal and maximal tests of physiological fitness including assessments of lactate threshold (exercise intensity at which blood lactate begins to exponentially increase), heart rate and VO2 max (maximal amount of oxygen that can be utilised during maximal exercise). From these tests, you will receive a detailed written report of your results that can be utilised to optimise your training.
Why is the information from this test useful?
A physiological understanding of your body means exercise professionals can plan effective training sessions which can lead to improvements in performance. This test can also be used as a monitoring tool to track progress over time.
Triathlon assessment
You will undergo submaximal and maximal tests of physiological fitness including assessments of lactate threshold (exercise intensity at which blood lactate begins to exponentially increase), heart rate and VO2 max (maximal amount of oxygen that can be utilised during maximal exercise). From these tests, you will receive a detailed written report of your results that can be utilised to optimise your training.
Why is the information from this test useful?
A physiological understanding of your body means exercise professionals can plan effective training sessions which can lead to improvements in performance. This test can also be used as a monitoring tool to track progress over time.
FatMax Assessment
This assessment uses a ‘step-incremental’ protocol on a treadmill or bike. We start at a low exercise intensity which we gradually increase until we are confident that your fat utilisation has dropped to almost zero. During this protocol, we use your expired air to calculate your total rate of energy expenditure, and we are also able to calculate how much of this energy came from using fat as a fuel. We can then use this data to pin-point the exercise intensity that is most optimal for burning fat, specific to your physiology.
For more detailed information on this test please email us or call us on 07557425384.
BOD POD
The BOD POD is an air displacement plethysmograph, which uses whole-body densitometry to determine body composition (fat and fat-free mass). The system is safe, non-invasive and has excellent test-to-test repeatability.
Metrics measured include: Body fat %, lean mass %, estimated basal metabolic rate (BMR) and total daily energy expenditure.
Skinfold thickness measurement
One of our qualified team can work with you to find the best skinfold tests to suit your needs. Skinfold thickness measurements are taken from specific sites throughout the body and the thickness of these sites can be used in a prediction equation to give an estimation of body fat percentage.
Why is detailed knowledge of body composition useful?
Not only is a normal balance of body fat directly linked to health, but many sports and activities have varying optimal body compositions. Accurate calculation of body composition can give an individual information that can inform their training schedules and dietary practices.
Our Sporting Edge UK environment simulator can recreate multiple training environments from around the globe by manipulating altitude, temperature and humidity. Ideal for preparing for competition or acclimatisation to extreme temperatures and/or altitudes before embarking on expeditions.
| Type of Session | Coventry University Group Staff | Coventry University Group Students | Member of Public |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycling Assessment | £100 | £100 | £120 |
| Running Assessment | £100 | £100 | £120 |
| Rowing Assessment | £100 | £100 | £120 |
| Triathlon Assessment | £170 | £170 | £190 |
| Body Composition* | £50 | £50 | £60 |
| Body Composition Test - Retest Package (2 tests) | £80 | £80 | £100 |
| FatMax Assessment | £80 | £80 | £100 |
*All prices indicated are dependent on the individual requirements.
For general enquiries and appointments for Sport and Exercise Physiology, please email futurehealth@coventry.ac.uk or call us on 07557425384
