In the Athletic Performance Testing Program, each athlete is evaluated by sports and exercise physiologists and certified athletic trainers who analyze the data collected during testing to make specific recommendations.
 For example, baseball throwing analysis is one of the programs OHO offers. Most often requested to help pitchers improve their skills or rehabilitate from injury, the analysis can also assist with fielding techniques. Endurance athletes can take advantage of slow-motion videotape of their performance, which can help identify postural defects or any range of motion or strength limitations. Cyclists can have their power output measured with the Power Tap, which not only measures the power generated during cycling, but also helps to develop an appropriate and individualized race strategy. Endurance is also measured with blood lactate testing, while the athlete performs sports activity.
A 12-week program is then designed to help the athlete improve performance. Follow-up evaluations may be scheduled after the 12-week program so that any adjustments can be made to help the athlete continue to improve.
Performance evaluations combine several key
physiological components including:
Training Profile
Participants record basic training and performance information for the past three to six months. This data is used as part of the overall evaluation and subsequent training recommendations.
Range of Motion (ROM)
Flexibility and joint stability are important performance factors, particularly in the prevention of training-related injury. Sport-specific ROM values are measured using goniometry or inclinometers and compared with "acceptable" values. Appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises are prescribed.
Body Composition
Lean body mass is determined by skin fold calipers. Skin fold values are compared to standard age-specific equations (Jackson Pollock). Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated and compared to age-specific norms.
Graded Exercise Test (GXT)
A sport-specific GXT is performed either on a treadmill, bicycle (compu-trainer), or the SwimEx 600T flume. Workloads are increased gradually every three minutes until voluntary exhaustion or the evaluator terminates the test for safety reasons. Heart rate, RPE, and blood lactate values are monitored and recorded throughout the test. Heart rates are recorded every five seconds during the evaluation. Peak heart rates, the highest heart rate obtained during the test, are combined with subjective Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) values to determine target heart rate ranges
for specific types of training workloads (e.g. running economy, lactate threshold, and enhancement of VO2 max).
Blood Lactate
Capillary blood samples are taken at rest, throughout the test, and during recovery. Samples are analyzed by an Accusport photo spectometer to determine lactate threshold training workloads, peak lactate levels, and lactate clearance rates.
Biomechanical Analysis
Test participants are video taped from various angles to evaluate individual sport-specific biometrics. Film is reviewed by trained movement specialists who provide biomechanical recommendations for improving your performance and minimizing the risk of injury.
Report and Training Recommendations
A summary report of physiological and biomechanical performance data plus training recommendations are provided for both the coach and athlete. Training workloads are determined for several key endurance training components.
Please
call 918-477-5041 for pricing information.
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