Fitness Testing - RGU:Wellness

FITNESS TESTING RGU:WELLNESS

the professional University

FITNESS TESTING RGU:WELLNESS OUR SERVICE Clients are tested using high quality fully calibrated equipment by fully trained staff and our service, which is unique in the North of Scotland, is as responsive to your needs as possible. Clients can be signposted to appropriate support which might include (but is not limited to) physiotherapy; functional capacity evaluation; and personal training. All of the tests we provide can be carried out as individual tests, or can be joined together to create a bespoke battery of tests to be delivered in our laboratories or remotely (except the 3D motion analysis).

BENEFITS TO EMPLOYERS • One stop shop, comprehensive suite of health and fitness assessments to ensure your staff meet required industry safety standards • Detailed assessment of an employee’s fitness to return to work • Accurate assessment of an individual’s fitness and ability to take care of his own and other’s safety in an emergency situation • Accurate health and fitness screening minimising risk for his/her own safety or that of others BACKGROUND The scientific assessment of an individual’s physical capacity is a statutory requirement of demanding occupations such as deep sea diving or for entry into the police or armed forces. As both a health and fitness screen, these tests help determine the suitability of an individual for a particular role. Athletes, at whatever level of their sport, may seek a clear and accurate fitness assessment in order to assist their training or more specific goal setting. Here at Robert Gordon University, our experienced team using our cutting edge facilities can provide a range of tests designed to measure the ability of an individual to function at their peak.

OUR TESTS Respiratory Function Peak flow / Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) / Forced Expiratory Volume in one minute (FEV1) can be measured, the result of which can indicate the possibility of pulmonary dysfunction.

Test time: 10 minutes per test

Maximum Fitness (aerobic and anaerobic) Gas analysers are available to provide direct measures (breath by breath) of gas exchange during breathing to assess maximal fitness capacity. Treadmill or bike tests are available using a range of approved protocols to suit the requirements of the individual in their workplace. The appropriate test will be dependant on the extent of the information required.

Test time: 30 to 60 minutes depending on test type Electrocardiography (ECG) ECG assesses cardiac response at rest or during exercise (stress test). The test can be either 3 lead or 12 lead and can be used to identify any cardiac irregularities.

Test time: 10 minutes per test Body Composition/Anthropometry A body composition test measures fat and lean body mass to estimate an individual’s body composition compared to standard normal values (population specific). The results of the test will identify individuals who require tailored fitness programmes to modify their composition.

Test time: Up to 60 minutes dependant on the protocol being used 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional Motion Analysis Precise measures of movement can be analysed to assess an individual’s capacity to perform effectively given the demands of the task. 2D would be used in the field, with 3D being available in the Human Performance Laboratory.

Test time: up to 60 minutess dependant on the tests being carried out Force Analysis (including force platforms; timing gates; and isokinetic dynamometry) Force plates embedded into the floor measure the forces being transferred from the foot to the ground. Timing gates measure speed of movement from one point to another; and Isokinetic dynamometry measures strength specific to muscle groups. The tests can be tailored around the individual needs of the client based on the functional needs of their activity. The gathered data can be used to assess strength, speed, power, agility and balance capacities appropriate to their workplace demands.

Test time: up to 60 minutes dependant on the tests being carried out

contact us For further information about fitness testing please contact:

To discuss customised delivery please contact: Pamela Kirkpatrick Academic Lead for Enterprise in Health and Social Care Tel: +44 (0) 1224 263276 Email: p.kirkpatrick@rgu.ac.uk

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Robert Gordon University, a Scottish charity registered under charity number SC013781

Daniel Shaw Subject Lead in Sport and Exercise Science School of Health Sciences Faculty of Health and Social Care Tel: +44 (0) 1224 263260 Email: d.shaw@rgu.ac.uk