Kingston University launches human performance lab to elevate athlete performance
- Health, Science, Social Care and Education
Kingston University has launched a host of sport and exercise science lab and consultancy services to help athletes from all backgrounds reach their full potential and peak performance.
The Kingston Human Performance Lab, based at the University’s Penrhyn Road campus, will give athletes of all abilities access to state-of-the-art facilities including heat and altitude chambers, and to testing services such as physiological, nutritional and biomechanical tests.
Led by academics from the Department of Applied and Human Sciences, the performance lab will offer physiological and metabolic tests including lactate threshold, VO₂ max and body composition assessments.
Bespoke biomechanical testing includes an initial full consultation that allows the sport and exercise experts to build a package of support tailored to the individual. This can include looking at muscular strength and power output, analysing movement patterns, identifying any underlying issues contributing to an injury or impairing recovery, analysing techniques to enhance performance, and how to optimise use of sports equipment and machinery.
Those training for events in extreme conditions can also use the University’s heat and altitude chambers. The heat chamber allows athletes to acclimatise to exercising in hot conditions, preparing for events in warmer climates, while the altitude chamber gives users the opportunity to exercise at altitudes of up to 3,000 metres in a controlled environment.
The performance lab can also provide evidence-informed nutrition advice. Packages on offer include a consultation and evaluation about goals and current diet, a creation of bespoke event and race nutrition plans and longer-term nutrition support.
Lecturer in Performance Nutrition and Physiology at Kingston University Guy Guppy said one of the reasons the KHPL has been launched is to combat misinformation online. “I am really passionate about addressing the myths on social media – it’s so frustrating seeing some of the misinformation online so I hope we can help give athletes evidence-based information and support to make sure they are doing the right things to enhance their performance.”
Senior Lecturer in Sports Biomechanics Dr Simon Augustus said the KHPL facilities and academic expertise would give athletes an added edge to performance. “We have state-of-the-art facilities to give our clients exactly the advice and data they need to get the best out of themselves. We can support athletes of all abilities right through their training programme, up to and during their events.”
The Kingston Human Performance Lab is open to athletes from all levels and can be used on an individual basis or as part of a sports team. To find out more or to register your interest, visit the KHPL website or email [email protected].
- Find out more about the Kingston Human Performance Lab.
- Find out more about studying sport and exercise science at Kingston University.
The Kingston Human Performance Lab can help prepare athletes of all backgrounds for events with bespoke tests and consultancy services.
One of the tests available is the VO₂ max test, which measures the maximum volume of oxygen your body can use during intense, incremental exercise.
Sport and exercise experts at Kingston University will be able to give athletes evidence-backed advice, based on data.
The performance lab can also provide evidence-informed nutrition advice, including consultation and evaluation about goals and current diet, creation of bespoke event and race nutrition plans and longer-term nutrition support.
Muscle strength and power output can be measured through state-of-the-art faciltiies within the lab.
Athletes training for events in extreme conditions can use the University’s heat and altitude chambers.
Testing services available include physiological, nutritional and biomechanical tests.
