At the Sports Performance Clinic we have world class facilities teamed with a highly skilled and knowledgeable team to provide you with the best sports science support, irrespective of your requirements whether it be rehabilitating from injury, improving your strength and power, honing your cardiovascular fitness, or acclimatising to heat.
The services are grounded in research, and underpinned by the principles of AUT’s Sports Performance Research Institute NZ (SPRINZ). Our research is facilitated through the services we provide and the services are in turn enhanced through research.
Contact the Sports Performance Clinic on 021 948 511 or [email protected]
Body Composition
Basic Body Composition Assessment
Our Basic Assessment is suitable for monitoring body fat distribution and overall physique changes before and after a training intervention. With repeated measures over time, we can also monitor progress towards achieving performance or health related goals.
As part of the Basic Assessment, height, weight, 8 skinfolds, girths, and bone breadths are measured. This assessment will take approximately 20 minutes, and you will receive a report interpreting your results in relation to your sport performance or health goals. We recommend repeated measures at timely intervals.
Endurance Performance
Combined Performance Test
The Combined Performance Assessment is our most comprehensive service for endurance athletes. It includes the measurement of VO2 max, lactate and physiological economy, providing an accurate measure of how efficiently an athlete uses oxygen while exercising at a given pace
Lactate Threshold Assessment
The lactate threshold has been shown to predict endurance performance and can be very sensitive to specific training. By measuring this threshold we are able to establish an athlete’s individualised training zones, ensuring they are training at the correct intensity to maximize performance improvements. With repeated assessments, we are able to measure the effectiveness of training programmes. Based on your heart rate and blood lactate response, we can prescribe five key aerobic-based training zones with session examples provided.
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2 Max) Assessment
For many sports, an individual’s VO2 max is a key determinant of performance and is considered the ‘gold-standard’ measure of cardio-respiratory fitness. VO2 max is relevant to any endurance athlete interested in accurately measuring their current level of aerobic fitness. In this assessment, we utilize a metabolic gas analysis system during an incremental ramp assessment. From the results, we can prescribe three key aerobic based training zones specifically relevant the individual.
Strength & Conditioning
Strength Assessments
Comprehensive Strength Assessment
Dynamic Strength
Dynamic strength is pertinent to athletic performance in all sports. Using a range of functional movements and weightlifting exercises, we are able to assess your dynamic strength capabilities. The assessment will include two maximum strength (upper and lower body) tests and three strength endurance tests (push-up, pull up, core). From this assessment battery, we will have a holistic/comprehensive/detailed representation of your dynamic strength qualities. This assessment will take one hour and you will receive a report interpreting your results.
Isometric Strength
Lower body strength is a critical component of athletic performance in many sports. Using a force plate, we are able to provide a complete diagnosis of your isometric strength capabilities. The assessment will include an isometric mid-thigh pull. From this test we are able to measure your rate of force development and peak/mean force capabilities. This assessment will take 30 min, and you will receive a report, interpreting your results. We also offer off-site strength and power assessments for an additional cost.
Isokinetic Strength Assessment
Serious knee injuries are an all too common occurrence in a range of sports, and commonly result from a lack of strength in the supporting musculature, imbalances in the quadriceps and hamstrings, or strength asymmetries between left and right. This assessment is specifically designed to assess the strength of the muscles supporting your knee, to assess your injury risk or to assist in your rehabilitation. Our specialised equipment provides variable resistance to a movement, so that no matter how much effort you exert, the movement takes place at a constant speed. You will be assessed in concentric and eccentric muscle contractions on both sides at a range of speeds. This assessment takes approximately 60 minutes, providing you with a highly detailed report on your muscle strength, and how this relates to your injury risk or rehabilitation goals.
Complete Strength Package
The full palette of strength assessments provide you with a complete overview of your isometric, dynamic and isokinetic knee strength capabilities. The full assessment will take 2 ½ hours to complete. You will be given a full report detailing your areas of weakness and recommendations to help strengthen these areas.