Elizabethtown College and Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster, LTD (OAL) recently launched a Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) located in the Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness & Well-Being on Etown’s campus. The HPL serves as a dynamic space for sports medicine and exercise science testing, evaluation, and performance and is open to the public.
“This is an exciting partnership that will benefit our students’ research as well as the overall wellness of the greater community,” Elizabethtown College President Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D. said. “Our cutting-edge technology will be able to help people of all ages improve athletic injuries to long-term ailments.”
Through personalized attention, comprehensive analysis, and a customized pathway to personal improvement, the HPL is fully equipped with the expertise of highly-trained professionals utilizing state-of-the-art equipment to evaluate every aspect of a client’s health and wellbeing. The HPL services include:
- Functional Movement: Assessing an individual’s functional movement capabilities generally serves as the first step towards enhancing their mobility and range of motion.
- Anthropometrics: Body composition testing can be assessed in various ways. Within the HPL, we are able to assess using ISAK protocol skinfold calipers.
- Metabolic Testing: Metabolic testing involves measuring gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) at rest and during exercise (commonly on a treadmill or exercise bike) to determine the resting metabolic rate, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max), and lactate threshold (an indicator of fatigue and decreased performance).
- Muscle Strength and Power: Muscle strength and power testing measure an individual’s short-burst muscle strength and power.
Elizabethtown College students in the institution’s Exercise Science program will conduct classes and research in the HPL for experiential learning experiences to enhance the educational process.
The HPL also aligns with the mission of Elizabethtown College to use knowledge, talents, and energy to positively make a difference in the lives of others. Learn more about the HPL at Elizabethtown College.