About
The Jack R. Leighton Human Performance Lab provides state-of-the-art equipment for research experience, clinical assessments, and community testing in the areas of exercise physiology and biomechanics. The lab can offer a variety of health and fitness assessments including:
- Body Composition Testing
- Maximal Aerobic Capacity (VO2max) Testing
- Lactate Threshold Testing
- Isokinetic Strength Testing
Location
The lab is located in the Physical Education Classroom Building, room 112B. Parking is available in the P-9 lot (permit required M-F 8 am – 5 pm) and P-12 lot (free all year round).
Scheduling
To schedule an appointment for testing, please visit our EWU Human Performance Lab Booking Page. Payment is required for all testing prior to scheduling. For other availability or if you have questions, please contact our team (humanperformance@ewu.edu).
Body composition can be assessed using the BOD POD®, which is a gold-standard technique for estimating percent body fat. The BOD POD® can also provide an accurate estimate of resting metabolic rate. A full test takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and provides highly accurate, safe, comfortable, and fast test results.
Maximal aerobic fitness testing, or VO2max testing, is considered the gold standard measure of cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardiorespiratory fitness is important for health and key to athletic performance. The Jack R. Leighton Human Performance Laboratory uses an integrated metabolic measurement system to determine maximal oxygen consumption during exercise. This test takes approximately 1 hour to complete and can be conducted on a treadmill or cycle ergometer. The VO2max test is a highly accurate, safe, and reliable assessment of aerobic capacity and ventilatory threshold.
Lactate threshold testing
The isokinetic dynamometer is the gold-standard measure for testing muscle strength. Various protocols can be used to assess different metrics, such as strength, endurance, and speed strength. Assessing muscle strength with an isokinetic dynamometer provides accurate and useful information for various activities. The most common protocol measures the strength balance between the quadriceps and hamstrings, which can provide helpful information regarding muscle imbalances and injury risk.