 |
All services described below include a one-on-one consultation to allow for a complete
explanation of results, in addition to the opportunity for questions to be answered.
| Maximal Graded Exercise Test (GXT)/ Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT) |
This test is often referred to as a "stress test" and is an excellent assessment of
a person's cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiac function. This test can be performed
with collection of expired gases in order to measure (as opposed to estimate) VO2max,
which is the best measure of one's aerobic power. This test includes a 12 lead electrocardiogram
(ECG) for continuous measurement of cardiac function, as well as blood pressure monitoring
before, during, and after the test. The test will be performed using a cycle ergometer
or a treadmill, depending on the individual's preference. With either mode, the individual
will exercise at increasing workloads until they reach exhaustion (typically 8-12
minutes). In conjunction with this test, it is possible to determine an individual's
lactate response to exercise (lactate threshold). This is particularly important for
athletes. Total lab time is approximately 45 minutes. Actual exercise time is approximately 8-12 minutes. Cost: Test with 12 lead ECG $125 Add Gas Collection $50 Add Blood Lactate $50
|
| Submaximal Graded Exercise Test |
This test is also used to determine aerobic fitness capacity. It is similar to the
maximal GXT described above, however participants do not exercise until exhaustion.
Rather, they exercise to a predetermined level and their VO2max is then estimated
based on their heart rate response during the submaximal workloads. Heart rate will
be monitored using a heart rate watch and/ or via palpation, and blood pressure will
be monitored during each workload. This test is typically performed using a cycle
ergometer. Total lab time is approximately 30 minutes. Actual exercise time is approximately
8-15 minutes. Cost: $75 |
| Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) |
| This test is used in the evaluation of lung function as well as for tracking of pulmonary
disease. This test involves breathing into a mouthpiece at varying depths and forces
in order to determine an individual’s lung capacity and function. The main measures
included in this test are tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory
reserve volume (ERV), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in
1 second (FEV1). By estimating the residual lung volume (the amount of air remaining
in the lungs following forced expiration) we can calculate the total lung capacity
(TLC). Data from this test can be used to determine the extent of restrictive or obstructive
lung disease. Total lab time is approximately 20 minutes. Actual test time is approximately
5 minutes. Cost: $50 |
| Resting Metabolic Rate |
This test is used to determine an individual’s resting metabolic rate, which can be
useful when planning a diet and trying to determine daily energy (calorie) requirements.
This test involves lying quiet on a table while breathing into a mask which is interfaced
with metabolic gas analysis equipment. Based on the amount of oxygen consumed during
quiet rest, technicians can determine the approximate resting caloric cost. That is,
the amount of calories (kcal) “burned”. In conjunction with an assessment of an individual’s
activity profile, this test provides sound baseline data pertaining to the caloric
needs of an individual. Total lab time is approximately 75 minutes. Actual test time
is approximately 60 minutes. Note: For best results, this test is performed first
thing in the morning following an overnight fast. Cost: $100 |
| Cardiorespiratory Exercise Prescription |
Increased cardiorespiratory fitness can significantly reduce the risk of all-cause
morbidity and mortality, in particular in relation to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Based on an individual’s goals, interests, schedule, past and current physical activity
history, age, and health status, a personalized exercise prescription can be designed
to yield optimal progress. This is primarily biased towards cardiorespiratory fitness,
however may include a general resistance exercise component as well. While a more
precise prescription can be developed using data obtained from a submaximal or maximal
graded exercise test, this is not necessary. In order to best develop this plan, individuals
should plan to meet with a member of the lab staff for approximately 1 hour to assist
in designing the program. Cost: $50 |
| Anaerobic Power Test |
This test is performed using a “state of the art” sprint cycle ergometer interfaced
with a computer, and will evaluate an individual’s ability to produce high amounts
of energy very rapidly. Data obtained will include peak power, time to peak power,
mean power, total work, and rate of fatigue. This is an excellent test for any athlete
involved in high intensity, short duration, rapid burst activities (e.g., football,
basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, rugby, wrestling, etc.). Total lab time is approximately
15 minutes. Actual test time is 30 seconds. Cost: $25 |
| Body Composition Analysis |
Experienced technicians are able to determine body fat percentage using skinfold calipers
via a seven site protocol. Following calculation of body fat percentage, the body
composition (e.g., ratio of fat tissue to fat free tissue) will be computed. This
is an excellent test for individuals interested in losing body fat as opposed to simply
losing weight. Using only a weighing scale to determine progress is faulty because
the scale cannot quantitatively differentiate between fat and muscle changes. Total
lab time is approximately 15 minutes. Actual test time is approximately 5 minutes. Cost: $25 |
* All of the above tests can be conducted at regular intervals to determine the degree
of progress. If interested in having serial tests performed (e.g., 2-4 times per year)
individuals should discuss with the lab staff during their first visit.
Richard Bloomer 901.678.4341 rbloomer@memphis.edu
|