Exercise and Sport Science Laboratories
The Exercise and Sport Science Laboratories, are located on the Bathurst Campus of Charles Sturt University.
This modern, well equipped facility staffed by internationally recognised exercise scientists has the capacity to perform a variety of cardiopulmonary, metabolic, anthropometric, neuromuscular, and biochemical assessments for educational, research or fitness appraisal purposes. The Exercise and Sport Science Laboratories offer scientific evaluation of physiological parameters designed to assess the functional capacity and performance capabilities of the individual. Information gained from assessment may be used to enhance the quality of health, movement or performance for a variety of exercise and training conditions including sport, fitness, recreation and rehabilitation.
Laboratory Services and Athletic Testing
The School can provide services for a fee to individuals or groups for physical testing. Further advice on training, nutrition, ergogenic aids, environmental stress and health and fitness are also available.
Click on the links below for further information about the facility.
Cardiac Function
Cardiac function is assessed using a 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG), either at rest or during exercise. From the ECG cardiac parameters, including; heart rate, heart rhythm (origin and regularity of electrical signal), heart axis (located within the thoracic cavity), the presence of myocardial hypertrophy, (enlargement of heart muscle) and the presence of myocardial ischaemia (diminished blood flow of a coronary artery).
Pulmonary Function
Pulmonary function is assessed using spirometry methodology. This approach allows for the determination of forced vital capacity (maximum volume that can be expired following maximal inspiration), residual lung volume (volume in lungs following maximal expiration), forced expiratory volume (FEV1, volume of air that can be expired in 1 second) and maximal ventilatory volume.
Aerobic Capacity
Aerobic capacity is determine using a graded maximal protocol involving treadmill, cycle or rowing ergometer exercise. This procedure, through the collection of expired gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) allows for peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) and anaerobic thresholds to be determined. Alternatively, a sub maximal protocol for the estimation of aerobic capacity may be undertaken.
Muscle Performance
Dynamic and static muscle performance is assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Measurement allows for the determination of peak force, bilateral muscle balance and ipsilateral muscle balance. The versatility of the dynamometer allows for virtually every muscle group and joint to be assessed. The isokinetic dynamometer may also be used for training and rehabilitation functions.
Body Composition
Assessment of body composition is undertaken using a hydrostatic weighing protocol. This measures body density, through comparison of underwater weight and weight in air, allows for the calculation of body composition. In addition to hydrostatic assessment of body composition skinfold measurements in combination with anthropometric profiling is available.
Blood Chemistry
Evaluation of total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL) and blood glucose may be undertaken following the withdrawal of a blood sample. In addition, blood lactate and glucose responses to exercise can also be obtained.
Gymnasium Facilities
The C.D. Blake Auditorium is a purpose built facility that serves the University as the prime physical education teaching venue, examination centre and site for internal student sport and recreation programs.
The building incorporates the gymnasium, exercise & weights room, dance studio, lecture rooms and change room amenities. The Western Region Academy of Sport is also located on site utilising the facilities for all its associated athlete programs.
The building is a multi-functional space, designed for official university ceremonies as well as being the main sporting facility. The fitness area provides a range of cardio electronic equipment (treadmills, steppers, rowing and cycle ergometers), free weights and individual exercise machines. Outdoor spaces include sporting fields, tennis courts and hard surface basketball/netball courts.
