Human Performance Laboratory (HPL)
Physiological testing
At the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) we carry out a number of detailed physiological measurements, assessments of human performance and health-related fitness tests.
We also carry out detailed analysis of pulmonary gas exchange using an online gas analysis system, in addition to cardiac monitoring using a 12-lead ECG system, during exercise on a treadmill or the electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer.
Measures can also be made out in the field, from simple tests of flexibility, strength, speed, power and cardiorespiratory fitness, to comprehensive measurement of expired air using the portable on-line gas analysis system.
These measurements have significant sporting and clinical relevance to identify an athlete's strengths and weaknesses in relation to their sport, and evaluation of their training programmes, and to evaluate the health status of individuals in a clinical setting and assess treatment interventions. Other applications include the HPL for educational purposes ranging from local schools to the post-graduate level.
Biomechanical testing
The Human Performance Laboratory is well equipped with four state-of-the-art Codamotion sensor units for infra-red motion analysis, which has been used extensively by researchers within the Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine to measure gait in various populations, as well as whole body biomechanics with respect to both the performance of sport specific tasks and pathology. In conjuction with the Codamotion system, we have 2 Kistler Force plates and a 16 channel wireless EMG system, which allows us to measure kinetics during movement and muscle electrical potentials. This work helps us to be better informed on the effect of poor biomechanics on health in sedentary populations, as well as allow us to optimise technique within sporting populations.
We also have isokinetic dynamometry and 4-dimensional ultrasound imaging capabilities. Isokinetic dynamometry is considered the gold standard for both strength testing and rehabilitation of almost any joint in the body. Along with 4-D ultra-sound, we have imaged the movement of the myotendinous junction when under load from isometric contraction before and after eccentric and concentric exercise protocols in order to evaluate their clinical effectiveness.
The Laboratory has benefited from a recent acquisition of a 64 channel EMG unit whereby we plan to map the non-uniform electrical field across a whole muscle belly. This builds on previous work whereby we mapped both the hamstrings and the calves during various activities using a 16 channel EMG unit. However, with 64 chennels, we aim to get far greater resolution and, therefore, a deeper insight into the distribution of muscle electrical potentials during health and injury.