Human Performance Laboratory

Human Performance Laboratory

The Human Performance Lab research interests include exercise energy metabolism, athletic performance, and body composition.

The Lab provides tests of aerobic fitness (maximal oxygen consumption), resting metabolic rate, and body composition (percent body fat) for a reasonable fee.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for any of our Fitness Tests or inquire about current research studies, please email Jay Penry, PhD.

Fitness Tests

The Human Performance Lab provides the following fitness assessments:

Maximal Aerobic Capacity (VO2max) and Ventilatory Threshold

$149/test

A VO2max test, short for "Volume of Oxygen Maximum," is a comprehensive assessment used to determine an individual's maximum oxygen consumption during intense physical activity. This test provides valuable information about an individual's cardiovascular fitness and endurance capacity.

Risk Stratification Worksheet

While VO2max testing is generally considered a safe and valuable assessment of cardiovascular fitness, there are some potential risks associated with the test. In order to mitigate some of those risks, the Risk Stratification Worksheet must be filled out before scheduling can occur.

Please download and complete the Risk Stratification Worksheet (pdf) (above the black line only) and email it along with your scheduling inquiry.

  We have paused RMR testing for the time being. If you are interested in knowing your RMR, body composition testing will provide an estimate that is accurate enough for most practical fitness purposes.

Resting Metabolic Rate

$83/test

Indirect calorimetry is a scientific method used to measure an individual's resting metabolic rate (RMR) accurately. RMR represents the number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain essential physiological functions such as breathing, circulation, and cell maintenance.

Body Composition Analysis

$40/test

Volumetric Determination (BodPod)
and/or
Multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance (InBody 770)

Both of the body composition tests the lab can perform carry a 1-2% error rate when compared to the gold standard (DEXA) without the low-level radiation exposure incurred during a DEXA scan.

BodPod

The BodPod employs air displacement plethysmography to measure an individual's body composition.

The BodPod body composition test provides the following information:

  • Total Body Weight
  • Lean Body Mass: The combined weight of muscles, bones, organs, and other non-fat tissues in the body.
  • Fat Mass: The total amount of body fat in pounds or kilograms.
  • Body Fat Percentage: The proportion of an individual's body weight that is comprised of fat.
  • Body Volume: The space occupied by the body inside the BodPod chamber.

InBody 770

The InBody 770 uses advanced bioelectrical impedance technology to measure various body components.

The InBody 770 provides a wealth of information about an individual's body composition, including:

  • Total Body Weight
  • Lean Body Mass: This includes muscle, bone, organs, and other non-fat components of the body. It is also divided into segments for each limb and the trunk.
  • Body Fat Mass: The total amount of body fat.
  • Body Fat Percentage: The proportion of the body's total weight that is comprised of fat.
  • Skeletal Muscle Mass: The amount of muscle mass in the body, including a breakdown of muscle mass in each limb.
  • Visceral Fat Level: An assessment of the amount of fat stored around the internal organs, which can be an indicator of health risk.
  • Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): An estimate of the number of calories the body needs at rest to maintain basic physiological functions.
  • Segmental Analysis: Provides information about muscle and fat distribution in specific body segments, helping identify potential muscle imbalances or areas where fat loss is needed.

Laboratory equipment

The Human Performance Lab maintains a working AED onsite at all times and is in close contact with Oregon State University’s Department of Public Safety should any adverse events occur.