The Institute of Technology in Tralee launched its physiological testing centre on Friday April
19th2013.
The Sport, Health and Performance Evaluation Centre (Shape) is a sport science
performance laboratory situated in the South Campus of the Institute of Technology Tralee
(ITT). It specialises in exercise physiology, fitness testing and human performance. The centre is
facilitated by a professional team, including lecturers/staff from within the Health and Leisure
Department, senior students from the Health and Leisure programmes and practitioners from the
fields of sport and high performance.
The role of fitness testing is to assess individual components of performance in particular sports and
to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the individual or team participating in that sport.
The centre offers sports specific testing to ensure valid and reliable results. Depending on the
sporting needs of the individual or team a battery of tests will be developed specific to the sport
whether it’s for elite performance or just as casual exercise.
The results from these tests form the basis for development of individual or team programs.
Tests available will include Maximal Oxygen uptake (VO2 max), lactate testing and anaerobic testing.
There will also be a health check program. This will involve cholesterol and glucose testing, lung
function tests, nutritional assessment, stress analysis, blood pressure testing, flexibility and body fat
assessments.
The centre has been developed and equipped with an eye on the latest developments in the
field of health and leisure, incorporating some of the most recent innovations in sports and
exercise science, which will be of immense benefit to players, athletes and coaches.
Services provided by the Shape centre include health and fitness assessments such as
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General Health Checks
Assessments for Endurance athletes
Assessments for Speed and Power
Evaluation of the games athlete
A quick summary of the services provided by the Shape centre include health and fitness
assessments such as
1. General Health Checks
The health check programme is designed to suit all individuals. It not only targets the
physically fit but also aims to include the individuals who are not so fit. The program hopes
to include members of all ages, young and old.
Tests will include
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Height and weight measurements
Body fat percentage
Girth Measurements
Aerobic fitness test
Blood pressure
Monitoring of heart rate
Lung Capacity test
Cholesterol levels
Glucose tests
Posture analysis
Flexibility
Nutrition and Dietary analysis
A detailed report will be given presenting results and current areas where improvement is
needed.
2. Assessments for Endurance athletes
The package which we have drawn up for the endurance athlete includes both aerobic and
anaerobic fitness testing. The package will include the following
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Blood lactate profile
Heart Rate Profile
Anaerobic Threshold
Maximum Power output
Height and weight measurements
Body fat percentage
Girth Measurements
Flexibility
3. Assessments for Speed and Power
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Height and weight measurements
Body fat percentage
Girth Measurements
Power
Strength
Flexibility
Body Composition
Anaerobic Capacity
Upper body power
Vertical and horizontal jumps
Strength
Flexibility
4. Evaluation of the games athlete
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Height and weight measurements
Body fat percentage
Girth Measurements
Aerobic Capacity OR Anaerobic Capacity
Strength
Upper Body power
Vertical and Horizontal Jumps (Lower Body Power)
Flexibility