Sport physiology lab
WELCOME TO THE
SPORT PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY
Here at the Sport Physiology Laboratory, Division of Sport Science, Stellenbosch University, we provide scientific exercise testing fundamental to all social and competitive athletes. Although our focus lies mainly in endurance sport, we also offer testing for athletes who are involved in activities that require speed, strength and power. Furthermore, we offer health screening tests, such as blood pressure, glucose, haemoglobin, heart and lung function, and body composition (% body fat, % lean body tissue, BMI, and hydration status).
All our test protocols are standardised and internationally used in laboratories similar to ours. These tests have proven validity and reliability, and our state-of-the-art equipment is calibrated on a daily basis. Each client receives a personal report, which is also explained in detail following an exercise test. Our lab staff have postgraduate qualifications in the field of exercise physiology, are well trained, and provide services in a friendly and professional manner.
Our services
Tri-athletes
Rowers
Swimmers
Health tests
The scientific approach to sport
Many factors influence an athlete’s performance in the field. Some are easier to measure than others, and some are best evaluated in the field. However, it has been established that many laboratory tests and parameters that can be measured, are accurate predictors of performance in the field.
Physiological testing of athletes is conducted for three important reasons:
- To assess the current physical and physiological attributes of the athlete.
- To obtain information for individualised and sport-specific training regimes.
- To give athletes proper scientific support to achieve optimal performance.
Tests and measurements are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. The Sport Physiology Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art exercise testing instruments to accurately and consistently monitor athletic performance through proven scientific methods and protocols.
- Body composition: % body fat, height, body mass, hydration status, BMI etc.
- Maximal exercise capacity and lactate threshold: both the physiological fitness of the athlete and accurate heart rate zones can be determined for training purposes.
- Wingate Test: to measure anaerobic capacity (maximum watts, average watts, fatigue index).
- Time trials (cyclists [20/30/40km] and canoeists): analysis of peak power, average power, peak heart rate, average heart rate, time of test, peak cadence, average cadence, and lactate values.
- Lung function tests: to assess possible lung conditions or diseases and to measure respiratory muscle strength and respiratory muscle endurance.
- Cycling efficiency: to assess leg muscle efficiency and the distribution of power between the legs.
Results from the laboratory tests can be used to:
- Assess the training status of the athlete
- Predict future performance
- Identify weaknesses
- Quantify improvement in fitness and performance by comparing results from previous tests
- Enable the coach to assess the success of his/her training programme
- Place the athlete in an appropriate training group
- Monitor the health of the athlete and prevent injury and overtraining
- Motivate the athlete
Tests additionally break up, and add variety to, the training programme. They can be used to satisfy the athlete’s competitive urge out of season. As some of the tests demand maximum effort of the athlete, they are useful at times as a training unit in their own right.
Laboratory equipment
Our physiology lab is equipped with cutting-edge machines and equipment
- H/P Cosmos Treadmill for runners, cyclists, and wheelchair athletes
- Velotron standing bicycle with Coaching software, Wingate software (anaerobic testing) and 3D rider software
- 2x Computrainers
- Cosmed CPET metabolic system
- Lung function testing equipment: to assess forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, lung volumes, respiratory muscle strength and respiratory muscle endurance
- Akray Lactate pro 2 meter
- Bodystat Impedence meter (body composition)
- BodyMetrix Adipose meter
- Skinfold caliper to measure body composition
- Blood glucose-, Cholesterol-, Haemoglobin
- Vasa swim ergometer
- Sphygmomanometer (blood pressure)
- 24 hour blood pressure monitoring device.
- Picopress pressure sensor
- Hamamutsu Niro-200NX NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy)
Our team
Prof Elmarie Terblanche
Exercise physiologist
Email: [email protected]
Qualifications:
MSc Sport Science (Performance Sports)
Research interests: Physiological adaptations to training and nutrient periodisation; Sprints and high intensity energy systems and neural control
Non-academic interests: Paralympic athlete, Sprints and high jump coaching (long term talent development from young kids to elite), Outdoor activities (ski, camping, horse riding), Love spending quality time with friends and family"
Louise Engelbrecht
Sport physiologist and performance nutritionist
Email: [email protected]
Qualifications:
MSc Sport Science (Performance Sports)
Research interests: Physiological adaptations to training and nutrient periodisation; Sprints and high intensity energy systems and neural control
Non-academic interests: Paralympic athlete, Sprints and high jump coaching (long term talent development from young kids to elite), Outdoor activities (ski, camping, horse riding), Love spending quality time with friends and family"
Anika Pretorius
PhD Student
Email: [email protected]
Qualifications:
MSc Sport Science (Performance Sports)
Research interests: Physiological adaptations to training and nutrient periodisation; Sprints and high intensity energy systems and neural control
Non-academic interests: Paralympic athlete, Sprints and high jump coaching (long term talent development from young kids to elite), Outdoor activities (ski, camping, horse riding), Love spending quality time with friends and family"
Mission
To provide athletes with the facilities and support services that would allow them to compete to the best of their ability.
Motivation
The Sport Physiology Laboratory at Stellenbosch University recognises that we have a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to certain sports. We provide an integrated service programme that combines a physical assessment, individualised exercise prescription (in consultation with the coach), periodic performance reviews, and re-assessments.
Through this integrated approach, we can play an important role in developing and maximising the athletic potential of all athletes, eliminating the guesswork from their training and optimising their training time. For example, many athletes already train with heart rate monitors; however, this is only one step in the right direction. One must establish specific heart rate training zones to really optimise training, and this is best done under controlled conditions in a laboratory.
Vision
To play a significant role in developing sport from grass roots level to the country’s Olympic best.