Boulder Performance Lab

Please review prior to the test session

TIMEFRAME

The total time of the session will take approximately 2 1/2 hours.  The actual LT and VO2 tests take approximately 40 min and 10 min respectively.  There will be warm up and cool down periods prior to and following each test.  The 2 1/2 hours includes pre-test discussion and thorough report review at the completion of the test session.

WORKOUTS PRIOR TO THE TEST

Please do not work out on the day of the test, or perform a hard workout the day prior to the test.  An easy workout can be done the day prior to the test.  To achieve the most accurate results, it is best to be fully recovered, rested, and hydrated.

BIKE OR RUN

The tests can be performed while biking on an ergometer bike trainer or while running on the treadmill.  Typically, the discipline at which you are strongest, and most comfortable, should be the discipline performed for the tests.  However, if you want to improve performance at a weaker discipline, this testing is great for baselining. 

WHAT TO BRING

If performing the tests on a bike, please bring your personal road bike (or mountain bike with a slick on the rear).  It will be placed on the lab ergometer.   Using your own personal bike provides the advantage of ensuring proper fit and repeatablity.  Hopefully, you are also most comfortable and accustomed to your own bike fit.  The ergometer is a Computrainer Lab Edition, with the adjustable front fork stabilizer stand.   If you use a power meter (eg, PowerTap), feel free to bring it with you.  The step wattage levels can be calibrated to your actual  power meter readings (please see "endurance test" page for more info).

If performing the run test, your running shoes are all you will need.

You may bring your own cordless heart rate monitor, or you may use one of the lab's HR monitors.

Please bring water bottle(s) and any nutritional supplements that you feel you might need (GU’s, energy drink, energy bars, etc).  The LT and VO2 test are are of relatively short duration, at high intensity.  Most likely, nutrition will not be needed during the actual tests.  However, you might want to consume calories after the tests, during the cool down, for glycogen recovery.

VO2 MAX AUDIO MOTIVATION

(Evening and weekend sessions only)  If a little audio influence is needed for the max portion of the VO2 max test, the lab does have a stereo.  Please feel free to bring cd's or your MP3 player to blast your favorite get-amped VO2 max playlist!

ATTIRE

Be prepared to sweat.  The LT test pushes the cardio-pulmonary system into the anaerobic zone, and the VO2 test is an all-out maximum effort.  The room temperature of the lab is typically about 69F.  When considering attire, plan on wearing your hot-temperature summer weather gear; gear that will dissipate body heat fastest.  Bike shorts or running shorts and a tank top or sleeveless top are suggested.  Sweat pants and long sleeve tops are not suggested.  The lab does have a high-velocity for keeping cool(er), but still plan on sweating.

Restrooms and a changing room with lockers are on site.

TESTING PROCEDURES

The LT test measures the lactate levels in whole blood.  This test does require blood samples.  Accutrend Automatic Lancets are used to pierce the skin for a very, very small blood droplet.  The auto lancet is very accurate and has an adjustable depth in order to just slightly pierce the skin enough  to get a very small droplet.  The older-style, manual finger lancets are not used. 

A brand new barrel lancet is used for each athlete, and disposed of after the test.  Lancets are never reused.

Please be rested and hydrated prior to the session.  The tests will be comparable to a strenuous one hour workout.

LAB EQUIPMENT

Only laboratory and/or hospital grade test equipment is utilized- Medgraphics, EKF, YSI, Stanbio, and Burdick equipment.  If you have any questions on the manufacturers of the test equipment, or how it works, please see the manufacturer's links on the "Lab Equipment" page of this web site.

MISCELLANEOUS

A report will be provided at the conclusion of the test session.  An electronic copy of the report will also be provided on cd.

Signing of a release waiver is required per insurance requirements.

DIRECTIONS

Please mapquest  “2955 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO, 80303”  The lab is located in the ALTA Physical Therapy Building on Baseline Rd, between 28th and 30th, directly across from 24 HR Fitness

PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CALL ME WITH ANY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS.  THERE IS NOTHING SECRET ABOUT THE PROCEDURES, THE EQUIPMENT, OR THE INTERPRETATION OF THE DATA.  THE EDUCATED ATHLETE IS A STRONGER ATHLETE!