School of Human Movement Studies
Exercise and Sport Science Laboratories
New Laboratories
The Exercise and Sport
Science Laboratories are located on the Bathurst Campus of Charles Sturt University.
During 2005, the new built and renovated laboratories were officially opened and
related press releases can be viewed
here.
This modern,
well equipped facility staffed by internationally recognised exercise scientists
has the capacity to perform a variety of cardiopulmonary, metabolic, anthropometric,
neuromuscular, and biochemical assessments for educational, research or fitness
appraisal purposes. The Exercise and Sport Science Laboratories offer scientific evaluation
of physiological parameters designed to assess the functional capacity and performance
capabilities of the individual. Information gained from assessment may be used
to enhance the quality of health, movement of performance for a variety of exercise
and training conditions, including sport, fitness, recreation and rehabilitation.
Cardiac Function
Cardiac function is assessed using a 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG), either at rest or during exercise. From the ECG cardiac parameters, including; heart rate, heart rhythm (origin and regularity of electrical signal), heart axis (located within the thoracic cavity), the presence of myocardial hypertrophy, (enlargement of heart muscle) and the presence of myocardial ischaemia (diminished blood flow of a coronary artery).
Pulmonary Function
Pulmonary function is assessed using spirometry methodology. This approach allows for the determination of forced vital capacity (maximum volume that can be expired following maximal inspiration), residual lung volume (volume in lungs following maximal expiration), forced expiratory volume (FEV1, volume of air that can be expired in 1 second) and maximal ventilatory volume.
Aerobic Capacity
Aerobic capacity is determine using a graded maximal protocol involving treadmill, cycle or rowing ergometer exercise. This procedure, through the collection of expired gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) allows for peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) and anaerobic thresholds to be determined. Alternatively, a sub maximal protocol for the estimation of aerobic capacity may be undertaken.
Muscle Performance
Dynamic and static muscle performance is assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Measurement allows for the determination of peak force, bilateral muscle balance and ipsilateral muscle balance. The versatility of the dynamometer allows for virtually every muscle group and joint to be assessed. The isokinetic dynamometer may also be used for training and rehabilitation functions.
Body Composition
Assessment of body composition is undertaken using a hydrostatic weighing protocol. This measures body density, through comparison of underwater weight and weight in air, allows for the calculation of body composition. In addition to hydrostatic assessment of body composition skinfold measurements in combination with anthropometric profiling is available.
Blood Chemistry
Evaluation of total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL) and blood glucose may be undertaken following the withdrawal of a blood sample. In addition, blood lactate and glucose responses to exercise can also be obtained.
For further Information
Mrs Dale Smith
School of Human Movement
Studies
Charles Sturt University
Panorama Avenue
Bathurst NSW 2795
Telephone: 02 6338 4048
Facsimile: 02 6338 4065
Email: Email Dale Smith