Sports Science Service

The Sports Science Service at Loughborough University provides support to a wide variety of sports people, from students, through to members of the public and elite and professional athletes.  We have worked with a wide range of sports, including athletics, triathlon, cycling (road, track and mountain bike), orienteering, rowing, canoeing, motorsports (motocross, superbikes, Moto GP), football, rugby, cricket, lacrosse, hockey and many others.

Services available include:

Physiology:
Lab-based physiology assessments:
These are available with exercise modes including running, cycling and rowing.  Assessments are usually divided into two parts (submaximal and maximal) and include measures of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximal heart rate, economy, lactate thresholds and corresponding heart rates and maximal aerobic power (cycling), speed at VO2max (running).

A detailed written report is produced, explaining results, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and giving training advice and guidelines.

If you want to know just how fit you really are, or exactly what training you need to be doing to improve then these tests are for you, regardless of your current level of fitness or goals.

Field-based fitness assessments:
These assessments are suitable for team-sports or individuals from more sprint/power based sports or events.  Particularly popular before and after pre-season/winter training, the results can be used to guide training to focus on particular areas of weakness or to assess the effectiveness of training.  Fitness can also be monitored throughout the competitive season. 

Common variables measured are speed, agility, strength, leg power, aerobic and anaerobic fitness.    Tests are tailored to meet the demands of the sport and assess fitness appropriately for that sport. 

Nutrition
A range of services is available for individuals and groups. Individuals can access consultations including a dietary analysis to provide advice on nutrition and hydration for competition, training and health.  We also offer sessions to develop individual hydration strategies for racing in the heat.  Educational workshops are available for groups/clubs and can be tailored to meet your needs.

Psychology
Our team of sports psychologists provides support to individuals, teams and coaches.  They can help you to develop your mental skills so that you maximise performance on every occasion.  Issues covered include mental toughness, confidence, goal setting, stress management, team building.  This support is offered in a variety of ways using combinations of presentations, workshops and individual consultations.

For enquiries about the Sports Science Service please contact the Service Manager :
Tel: 01509 226259
Email: sportscienceservices@lboro.ac.uk