Sport Performance
About Sport Performance
The sports performance team provides services to enhance performance, physical and mental strength. Whether you are an athlete, or a person of limited athletic ability, our team has specific scientific knowledge and skills to help you improve your general health and well-being, or achieve peak performance in your chosen sport.
The sports performance team also has a role to contribute for patients returning to sport following an injury. If patients have residual weaknesses or instabilities preventing them from returning to their pre-injury levels, we support the rehabilitation program acting as a bridge to enable the athlete to transition from injury treatment to sport and competition safely.
We provide services such as Vo2max Test:
ABOUT THE VO2max TEST
VO2max refers to the maximal amount of oxygen consumed by our body during maximal exercise. It is also the measurement of your present state of aerobic fitness. The test comprises treadmill running with increasing intensity accompanied by a gas analysis conducted through an attached face mask. The test requires an 'all-out' exercise effort on your part.
An important measurement of your physical health
VO2max is defined as the maximal amount of oxygen that a person can take in (respiration), transport (cardiac output) and use (cellular respiration) during maximal exhaustive aerobic exercise. It is considered by most exercise physiologists to be the gold standard of cardio respiratory capacity, which in turn reflects aerobic fitness.
The test is suitable for endurance athletes seeking improvement in their performance. Due to the high intensity of the test, you should preferably be someone who is already training consistently and have achieved a certain level of fitness.
VO2max can be beneficial to your training to know and keep track of this measure which can help guide your training.
Why should I do a test?
Without an objective measurement of our fitness level, most of us are unsure of the right intensity at which we should be training. Training at a randomly selected intensity can lead to under-training or over-training.
How energy is consumed during exercise
Fat burning training refers to light exercise over long periods of time which help energy production from breaking down fatty acids. This relies on working at a heart rate of approximately 60-70% max.
Aerobic training refers to endurance exercise which can be sustained for long periods. This relies on the circulatory system to transport oxygen to the working muscles where oxygen converts nutrients to ATP (energy). This relies on working at a heart rate of approximately 70-80% of maximum.
If training is increased above this level there will come a point where the cardiovascular system will not be able to transport proportionally more oxygen to the muscles to compensate for the amount of energy required. This is the aerobic threshold. Here by-products can still be cleared by the blood faster than they are produced with no detrimental effects on function.
Above this level (anaerobic exercise) we rely on anaerobic respiration. Here energy is initially dependent on creatinine phosphatase stores (lasts up to 30 seconds). After these stores have been depleted athletes reach their anaerobic/lactate threshold.
At this stage the breakdown of glucose as glycolysis predominates and as a consequence by products such as lactic acid builds up. Lactic acid limits activity and is detrimental to muscle function. It causes pain which limits further exercise to about two minutes.
This stage will signify the start of your VO2max. Here oxygen consumption remains at a steady state despite increased workload. The only change is your heart rate as you work harder to push your limits through the pain barrier.
Measuring VO2max and maximum heart rate
VO2max is measured in O2 ml/per kg of body weight/ min or as O2L/min. Accurately measuring VO2max involves a physical effort sufficient in duration and intensity to fully tax the aerobic energy system.
Improvement in your VO2max levels can be made by making certain adjustments to the training schedule as advised by the coach or trainer. These include interval training, distance, intensity and also adjustments to technique. By strengthening muscles of respiration, heart and lowering blood pressure with improving fitness, the efficiency of the circulatory system increases the VO2max level.
About the assessment
We conduct a medically supervised fitness test and a general fitness assessment. The assessment includes a basic health questionnaire and measurements of:
• Height and weight
• Resting heart rate
• Blood pressure
The VO2max testing can use a treadmill with safety harness to encourage athletes to push their limits confidently. The athlete wears a mask to measure gaseous exchange that is fed back and analyzed by a computer. The testing relies on incremental increases of both gradient and speed on a treadmill.
There is a similar set protocol for all athletes and it usually lasts 10-12 minutes. After the test there will be a report with comments specific to you and your test. ( Please note, we do not currently offer VO2testing on bikes).
Metabolic Fitness Testing
Using a metabolic fitness testing cart, your fitness levels are assessed, along with your various metabolic systems (aerobic, anaerobic – fat burning, carb burning etc) – providing not only a comprehensive and accurate assessment, but also enables a highly customised heart rate guided cardiorespitory interval training program to be created, to support your training goals. Whether you are looking to lose body fat, improve endurance, retain lean muscle mass during cardio training, or optimize sports specific training objectives (i.e. triathlon, 5k, marathon, rugby, hockey, MMA, bodybuilding etc) – the test and prescribed training advanced athletes wishing to optimise their training and recovery.
In addition to detailed printed test results, a periodised heart rate guided interval training program is provided (combination of active recovery, medium intensity & high intensity sessions) – that can be used on any cardio equipment (i.e. treadmill, stepper, cross trainer etc), or with outdoor training, and even resistance training programs with the use of a standard heart rate monitor.
Body Composition Testing
This is useful for weight loss, for Clients trying to increase muscle mass or improve sporting performance. PhyzioFit center only uses The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) method which is regarded as one of the most accurate methods of assessment, and is based on measuring skin fold thickness, bone breadths and girths
Train
Don’t train harder, train smarter!
Using our state of the art Human Performance Laboratory we are able to assess unique and key aspects of each Client’s metabolism, overall health, body composition and performance. We use the assessments to establish initial recommendations and potential future adjustments to help our Clients reach their goals quickly and effectively.
Test results are available immediately and include:
Body Composition Testing – using the ISAK system to accurately measure body composition i.e. muscle and fat levels.
Metabolic Fitness and Nutrition Testing – for precise assessments of how the body utilises fuels (fats, carbohydrates and proteins) at rest and during exercise, to determine resting metabolic rate (how much energy the body actually burns), fitness levels (i.e. VO2 max, lactate, etc.) and the overall efficiency of different metabolic systems. The test findings allow us to create customised heart rate and metabolic training programs as well as specific dietary protocols.
Hydration Testing – to accurately assess fluid balance and electrolyte status allowing us to create a tailored hydration plan.
About Sport Performance
The sports performance team provides services to enhance performance, physical and mental strength. Whether you are an athlete, or a person of limited athletic ability, our team has specific scientific knowledge and skills to help you improve your general health and well-being, or achieve peak performance in your chosen sport.
The sports performance team also has a role to contribute for patients returning to sport following an injury. If patients have residual weaknesses or instabilities preventing them from returning to their pre-injury levels, we support the rehabilitation program acting as a bridge to enable the athlete to transition from injury treatment to sport and competition safely.
We provide services such as Vo2max Test:
ABOUT THE VO2max TEST
VO2max refers to the maximal amount of oxygen consumed by our body during maximal exercise. It is also the measurement of your present state of aerobic fitness. The test comprises treadmill running with increasing intensity accompanied by a gas analysis conducted through an attached face mask. The test requires an 'all-out' exercise effort on your part.
An important measurement of your physical health
VO2max is defined as the maximal amount of oxygen that a person can take in (respiration), transport (cardiac output) and use (cellular respiration) during maximal exhaustive aerobic exercise. It is considered by most exercise physiologists to be the gold standard of cardio respiratory capacity, which in turn reflects aerobic fitness.
The test is suitable for endurance athletes seeking improvement in their performance. Due to the high intensity of the test, you should preferably be someone who is already training consistently and have achieved a certain level of fitness.
VO2max can be beneficial to your training to know and keep track of this measure which can help guide your training.
Why should I do a test?
Without an objective measurement of our fitness level, most of us are unsure of the right intensity at which we should be training. Training at a randomly selected intensity can lead to under-training or over-training.
How energy is consumed during exercise
Fat burning training refers to light exercise over long periods of time which help energy production from breaking down fatty acids. This relies on working at a heart rate of approximately 60-70% max.
Aerobic training refers to endurance exercise which can be sustained for long periods. This relies on the circulatory system to transport oxygen to the working muscles where oxygen converts nutrients to ATP (energy). This relies on working at a heart rate of approximately 70-80% of maximum.
If training is increased above this level there will come a point where the cardiovascular system will not be able to transport proportionally more oxygen to the muscles to compensate for the amount of energy required. This is the aerobic threshold. Here by-products can still be cleared by the blood faster than they are produced with no detrimental effects on function.
Above this level (anaerobic exercise) we rely on anaerobic respiration. Here energy is initially dependent on creatinine phosphatase stores (lasts up to 30 seconds). After these stores have been depleted athletes reach their anaerobic/lactate threshold.
At this stage the breakdown of glucose as glycolysis predominates and as a consequence by products such as lactic acid builds up. Lactic acid limits activity and is detrimental to muscle function. It causes pain which limits further exercise to about two minutes.
This stage will signify the start of your VO2max. Here oxygen consumption remains at a steady state despite increased workload. The only change is your heart rate as you work harder to push your limits through the pain barrier.
Measuring VO2max and maximum heart rate
VO2max is measured in O2 ml/per kg of body weight/ min or as O2L/min. Accurately measuring VO2max involves a physical effort sufficient in duration and intensity to fully tax the aerobic energy system.
Improvement in your VO2max levels can be made by making certain adjustments to the training schedule as advised by the coach or trainer. These include interval training, distance, intensity and also adjustments to technique. By strengthening muscles of respiration, heart and lowering blood pressure with improving fitness, the efficiency of the circulatory system increases the VO2max level.
About the assessment
We conduct a medically supervised fitness test and a general fitness assessment. The assessment includes a basic health questionnaire and measurements of:
• Height and weight
• Resting heart rate
• Blood pressure
The VO2max testing can use a treadmill with safety harness to encourage athletes to push their limits confidently. The athlete wears a mask to measure gaseous exchange that is fed back and analyzed by a computer. The testing relies on incremental increases of both gradient and speed on a treadmill.
There is a similar set protocol for all athletes and it usually lasts 10-12 minutes. After the test there will be a report with comments specific to you and your test. ( Please note, we do not currently offer VO2testing on bikes).
Metabolic Fitness Testing
Using a metabolic fitness testing cart, your fitness levels are assessed, along with your various metabolic systems (aerobic, anaerobic – fat burning, carb burning etc) – providing not only a comprehensive and accurate assessment, but also enables a highly customised heart rate guided cardiorespitory interval training program to be created, to support your training goals. Whether you are looking to lose body fat, improve endurance, retain lean muscle mass during cardio training, or optimize sports specific training objectives (i.e. triathlon, 5k, marathon, rugby, hockey, MMA, bodybuilding etc) – the test and prescribed training advanced athletes wishing to optimise their training and recovery.
In addition to detailed printed test results, a periodised heart rate guided interval training program is provided (combination of active recovery, medium intensity & high intensity sessions) – that can be used on any cardio equipment (i.e. treadmill, stepper, cross trainer etc), or with outdoor training, and even resistance training programs with the use of a standard heart rate monitor.
Body Composition Testing
This is useful for weight loss, for Clients trying to increase muscle mass or improve sporting performance. PhyzioFit center only uses The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) method which is regarded as one of the most accurate methods of assessment, and is based on measuring skin fold thickness, bone breadths and girths
Train
Don’t train harder, train smarter!
Using our state of the art Human Performance Laboratory we are able to assess unique and key aspects of each Client’s metabolism, overall health, body composition and performance. We use the assessments to establish initial recommendations and potential future adjustments to help our Clients reach their goals quickly and effectively.
Test results are available immediately and include:
Body Composition Testing – using the ISAK system to accurately measure body composition i.e. muscle and fat levels.
Metabolic Fitness and Nutrition Testing – for precise assessments of how the body utilises fuels (fats, carbohydrates and proteins) at rest and during exercise, to determine resting metabolic rate (how much energy the body actually burns), fitness levels (i.e. VO2 max, lactate, etc.) and the overall efficiency of different metabolic systems. The test findings allow us to create customised heart rate and metabolic training programs as well as specific dietary protocols.
Hydration Testing – to accurately assess fluid balance and electrolyte status allowing us to create a tailored hydration plan.