Human Performance Lab

The health & fitness assessments offered through the HPL can assist individuals reach their athletic potential or understand their risk of developing chronic medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.  Many such conditions can be more effectively prevented, managed or even reversed with detailed physical assessments and appropriate pre-emptive actions. Through detailed assessments and direction, HPL staff can provide individuals with a path toward optimum health and aging.

Mission

To assess, evaluate, and disseminate knowledge of human performance as it relates to health, wellness, physical fitness, and athletic ability through education, research, and service.

Vision

The HPL is a teaching laboratory that provides assessments of health and physical fitness to the faculty, staff, and students of Saint Francis University and residents of the surrounding communities through proficient skills attained by Professionally Certified Exercise Physiology Faculty and undergraduate Exercise Physiology students.

Facilities/Equipment

We offer access to equipment & technology not found at any other location in this region, including:

• A BOD POD, an egg-shaped module used by hospitals and research centers world-wide to measure total body fat and lean body mass, and estimate resting energy expenditure.
• A Cardiovascular-Metabolic system that can analyze the exercise capacity, energy expenditure, and risk of developing chronic disease for any individual.
• An Anaerobic Testing Cycle Ergometer that is capable of testing your sprinting ability, your fatigue resistance, and estimates your muscle fiber type distribution.
• A Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer that evaluates specific deficiencies in strength in all the major muscle groups of the body, comparing one side to the other through varying speeds of resistance.
• A Motion Analysis system that provides a detailed evaluation of human movement by showing how each joint moves, the timing and coordination of your muscles, and the forces that affect movement.
• A NeuroCom Dynamic Posturography unit that analyzes the reasons for a balance problem and provides useful information in diagnosing the reasons for lack of balance or a tendency to fall.  This equipment is commonly used for assessing concussions and return-to-play status in athletes or fall risk in the elderly.

Assessments:

• Body Composition (Bod Pod)
• Aerobic Capacity (VO₂max)
• Anaerobic Power & Fatigue
• Lactate Threshold
• Muscular Fitness & Flexibility
• Resting Metabolic Rate
• Metabolic Efficiency
• Personal Fitness Package
• Runner/Cyclist Package

To schedule your assessment(s):

• Assessments are conducted by appointment only.
• Hours of operation:
  • Monday - Friday: 8:30am-5:00pm
  • 1st Saturday of each month, except Holiday weekends
• Complete the following online forms: Contact Information Form, Health History Screening Form, and Physical Activity History Questionnaire.
  • Based on your responses, you may need medical clearance from your Primary Care Physician (PCP) before participating in any assessments involving exercise. If this is required, you will be notified.
• Please consider the pre-testing instructions specific to each assessment when scheduling.
• Please notify us via phone or email no later than 24 hours prior to your scheduled assessment if you would like to change, reschedule, or cancel your assessment(s). Payment type accepted: cash, check, most major credit cards.

Why are Bod Pod Tests performed? 

• Determine the amount of fat and lean tissue in your body.
• Evaluate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and metabolic diseases.
• Estimate how many calories you should eat to reach your target weight.
• Determine safe and effective body weight goals.

How should I prepare for testing?

• No eating & exercise for at least 2 hours prior to the test.
• Wear minimal tight fitting clothing in order to determine the most accurate results.
  • Acceptable clothing for Males:
    • Form-fitting Speedo or spandex type swim suit or single-layer compression shorts (no padding).
  • Acceptable clothing for Females:
    • Form-fitting Speedo or spandex type swim suit or single-layer compression shorts (no padding) and single layer jogging bra (no padding).
• You will not be permitted to wear jewelry, socks, shoes, eyeglasses or any other accessories during the test.

How long would this assessment last?

• Approximately 30 minutes total:
  • Preparation: 5 minutes
  • Testing: sitting in Bod Pod (2-3 trials, 30 seconds per trial)
  • Debriefing of information: up to 25 minutes

Assessment Fee Chart

We can transport the Bod Pod to your facility and offer testing for your employees, clients, or patients.

Contact us today to discuss how this can be done and receive a quote.

Why are Aerobic Capacity Tests performed?

• Gold standard for evaluating aerobic fitness level & helps determine your risk of developing chronic disease (Higher Fitness = Less Risk)
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your aerobic exercise program
• Determine at what intensity you should specifically train to achieve your goals

How should I prepare for testing?

• No eating, caffeinated products, or using tobacco products within 3 hours of the test.
• No intense exercise within 12 hours of the test.
• No alcohol within 48 hours of the test.
• Drink ample fluids over the 24-hour period preceding the exercise test to ensure normal hydration before testing.
• Wear clothing suitable for exercise.  This includes clothing that permits freedom of movement and walking or running shoes.  Women should wear a sports bra and a loose fitting, short-sleeved shirt.
• Bring a list of all medications including dosage and frequency of administration to the assessment.  You will be asked to report the last actual dose taken.

How long would this assessment last?

• Approximately 1 hour total:
  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Testing: average time range 8-20 minutes, but is solely dependent on your ability
  • Debriefing of information: up to 30 minutes

Assessment Fee Chart

Add Blood Lactate testing to this test for an additional $15

Why are Sprint Performance tests performed?

•  See how much Power your legs can generate, and how long you can maintain your speed during a short sprint
• Helps improve performance in sprint and endurance athletes

 How should I prepare for testing?

•  No eating, caffeinated products, or using tobacco products within 3 hours of the test.
• No intense exercise within 24 hours of the test.
• No alcohol within 48 hours of the test.
• Drink ample fluids over the 24-hour period preceding the exercise test to ensure normal hydration before testing.
• Wear clothing suitable for exercise.  This includes clothing that permits freedom of movement and walking or running shoes.  Women should wear a sports bra and a loose fitting, short-sleeved shirt.
• Bring a list of all medications including dosage and frequency of administration to the assessment.  You will be asked to report the last actual dose taken.

 How long would this assessment last?

•  Approximately 30 minutes total:
  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Testing: 30 seconds
  • Debriefing of information: up to 15 minutes

Assessment Fee Chart

Why are Muscular Fitness Tests performed?

•  Determine your muscle's ability to produce force
• Determine any muscular weaknesses or imbalances that may result in injury or decreased performance
• Determine the appropriate resistance training program to reach your goals

 How should I prepare for testing?

•  No eating, caffeinated products, or using tobacco products within 2 hours of the test.
• No intense exercise within 24 hours of the test.
• No alcohol within 48 hours of the test.
• Drink ample fluids over the 24-hour period preceding the exercise test to ensure normal hydration before testing.
• Wear clothing suitable for exercise.  This includes clothing that permits freedom of movement and walking or running shoes.  Women should wear a sports bra and a loose fitting, short-sleeved shirt.
• Bring a list of all medications including dosage and frequency of administration to the assessment.  You will be asked to report the last actual dose taken.

 How long would this assessment last?

•  Approximately 1 hour total:
  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Testing: average times range 30 minutes, but is solely dependent on your ability
  • Debriefing of information: up to 20 minutes

Assessment Fee Chart

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) & Metabolic Efficiency (MetE)

 Why are Metabolic Tests performed?

•  Determine exactly how many calories your body burns at rest (RMR) or during exercise (MetE)
• Determine the intensity you should train at to build an endurance base before starting higher intensity training (MetE)
• Determine how much you should eat during a long duration event to maintain your pace (MetE)

 How should I prepare for testing?

•  No eating, caffeinated products, or using tobacco products within 8 hours of the test.
  • You may drink water during the 8 hour fast
• No intense exercise within 24 hours of the test.
• No alcohol within 48 hours of the test.
• Drink ample fluids over the 24-hour period preceding the exercise test to ensure normal hydration before testing.
• Wear clothing suitable for exercise.  This includes clothing that permits freedom of movement and walking or running shoes.  Women should wear a sports bra and a loose fitting, short-sleeved shirt.
• Bring a list of all medications including dosage and frequency of administration to the assessment.  You will be asked to report the last actual dose taken.

 How long would this assessment last?

•  Approximately 1 hour for either RMR or MetE (2 hours for both):
  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Testing: approximately 1 hour, but is solely dependent on your ability
  • RMR: approximately 20 minutes
  • MetE: 45 minutes - 1 hour, but is solely dependent on your ability
  • Debriefing of information: up to 30 minutes

 Assessment Fee Chart

 Add Blood Lactate testing to the MetE test for an additional $25

Package Includes:

• Bod Pod
• Aerobic Capacity (VO₂max)
• Muscular Fitness & Flexibility
• Individualized Training Plan Based on Training Results

 How long would this assessment last?

•  Approximately 2 hours total:
  • Preparation: 5 minutes
  • Testing: 1.5 hours, but is solely dependent on your ability
  • Debriefing of information: 25 minutes

 How should I prepare for testing?

• No eating, caffeinated products, or using tobacco products within 2 hours of the test.
• No intense exercise within 24 hours of the test.
• No alcohol within 48 hours of the test.
• Drink ample fluids over the 24-hour period preceding the exercise test to ensure normal hydration before testing.
• Clothing:          
  • Please wear minimal tight fitting clothing in order to determine the most accurate results with the BOD POD.
    • Acceptable clothing for Males:
      • Form-fitting Speedo or spandex type swim suit or single-layer compression shorts (no padding).
    • Acceptable clothing for Females:
      • Form-fitting Speedo or spandex type swim suit or single-layer compression shorts (no padding) and single layer jogging bra (no padding).
    • You will not be permitted to wear jewelry, socks, shoes, eyeglasses or any other accessories during the BOD POD test.
  • Please wear clothing suitable for exercise.  This includes clothing that permits freedom of movement and walking or running shoes.  Women should wear a sports bra and a loose fitting, short-sleeved shirt.
• Bring a list of all medications including dosage and frequency of administration to the assessment.  You will be asked to report the last actual dose taken.

Assessment Fee Chart

Add Blood Lactate testing to the Personal Fitness Package for an additional $15

Run or Cycle Race Prep

Package Includes:

• Bod Pod
• Metabolic Efficiency (MetE) / Aerobic Capacity (VO₂max)
  • Either on Treadmill or Cycle
• Race Specific Muscular Fitness & Flexibility
• Sprint Performance
  • Either on Treadmill or Cycle
• Individualized Training Plan Based on Testing Results

 How long would this assessment last?

•  Approximately 2 hours total:
  • Preparation: 5 minutes
  • Testing: 1.5 hours, but is solely dependent on your ability
  • Debriefing of information: 25 minutes
• Bring a list of all medications including dosage and frequency of administration to the assessment.  You will be asked to report the last actual dose taken.

Triathlon Prep Package (2 days)

Package Includes:

• Day 1
  • Bod Pod
  • Treadmill Metabolic Efficiency (MetE) / Aerobic Capacity (VO₂max)
  • Race Specific Muscular Fitness & Flexibility
  • Treadmill Sprint Performance
• Day 2
  • Treadmill Metabolic Efficiency (MetE) / Aerobic Capacity (VO₂max)
  • Race Specific Muscular Fitness & Flexibility
  • Cycle Sprint Performance
• Individualized Training Plan Based on Testing Results

How long would this assessment last?

• Each Day
  • Approximately 2 hours total:
    • Preparation: 5 minutes
    • Testing: 1.5 hours, but is solely dependent on your ability
    • Debriefing of information: up to 25 minutes

How should I prepare for any of these packages?

• No eating, caffeinated products, or using tobacco products within 2 hours of the test.
• No intense exercise within 24 hours of the test.
• No alcohol within 48 hours of the test.
• Drink ample fluids over the 24-hour period preceding the exercise test to ensure normal hydration before testing.
• Clothing:          
  • Please wear minimal tight fitting clothing in order to determine the most accurate results with the BOD POD.
    • Acceptable clothing for Males:
      • Form-fitting Speedo or spandex type swim suit or single-layer compression shorts (no padding).
    • Acceptable clothing for Females:
      • Form-fitting Speedo or spandex type swim suit or single-layer compression shorts (no padding) and single layer jogging bra (no padding).
    • You will not be permitted to wear jewelry, socks, shoes, eyeglasses or any other accessories during the BOD POD test.
  • Please wear clothing suitable for exercise.  This includes clothing that permits freedom of movement and walking or running shoes.  Women should wear a sports bra and a loose fitting, short-sleeved shirt.

Assessment Fee Chart

Add Blood Lactate testing to any Race Prep for an additional $25 per MetE / VO₂max test

Why participate in this assessment?

• Non-contact ACL injuries are becoming more prevalent in sports, especially among females.  Some of the causes of this injury can not be helped, such as how your knee is structured.  What can be changed is the balance of the musculature around your knee and your movement mechanics.  Recent studies have shown increased risk of re-injury if certain criteria are not met as a result of these tests.  This assessment will give you an idea of your risk of injury or re-injury, and provide you an evidence-based individualized training plan to prevent this injury from occurring or reoccurring.

Assessments include:

• Body Composition (Bioelectrical Impedance)
• Functional Movement Screening using Motion Analysis System
• Leg Muscular Fitness and Flexibility

How should I prepare for testing?

• No eating, caffeinated products, or using tobacco products within 2 hours of the test.
• No intense exercise within 24 hours of the test.
• No alcohol within 48 hours of the test.
• Drink ample fluids over the 24-hour period preceding the exercise test to ensure normal hydration before testing.
• Wear clothing suitable for exercise.  This includes clothing that permits freedom of movement and walking or running shoes.
  • Please wear minimal tight fitting clothing for the Motion Analysis Assessments.
    • Acceptable clothing for Males:
      
      • Single-layer compression shorts (no padding).
    • Acceptable clothing for Females:
      • Single-layer compression shorts (no padding) and single layer jogging bra (no padding).
• Bring a list of all medications including dosage and frequency of administration to the assessment.  You will be asked to report the last actual dose taken.

How long would this assessment last?

• Approximately 1 hour total:
  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Testing: 45 minutes, but is solely dependent on your ability
  • Debriefing of information: up to 15 minutes

Assessment Fee Chart

Who should use the HPL?

The HPL's services are relevant to anyone who wants to operate at their physical best, regardless of their age or vocation. Examples of individuals who would benefit from these services include:

• Individuals wishing to:
• Athletes who want to train more specifically to their sport and reach their full performance potential
• Individuals preparing to begin a new fitness regimen or increase their workout intensity

What can I expect with each assessment?

 A detailed overview of your results including:

• What they mean for you personally
• How you compare to others of the same age and sex
• An individualized prescription designed specifically for you to improve your results

Where do I park?

•  HPL Directions and Parking

Who will be administering the tests?

We are a teaching laboratory.  Therefore, all testing is conducted by upper level Exercise Physiology students from Saint Francis University and supervised by a Certified Exercise Physiology Faculty member.

Dr. Wisniewski is the Assistant Director of the Human Performance Laboratory and an Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology at Saint Francis University. He earned his BS degree in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University, and MS degree in Health, Physical Activity, and Chronic Disease, and a PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Wisniewski specializes in using exercise as a form of medicine to prevent and treat various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and cancers.  His expertise also encompasses helping athletes, specifically those in endurance sports, to achieve their performance potential.  His research focuses on how individuals perceive and regulate the optimal exercise training intensities to counter disease and improve endurance performance.  He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter of the ACSM. He is an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist and ACSM/American Cancer Society Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer, Registered Bod Pod User, and currently holds the ACSM Exercise is Medicine Level III credential.

There are currently no research studies being conducted.  We plan to start a new study in the Fall.  Please check back later.