• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

BodyLab

A Specialist Physiology Facility

  • Home
  • About
    • Brendan Roach
    • Associated Professionals
  • Services
    • Chronic Complex Issues
    • Rehab Gym
    • Exercise Physiology Lab
  • Shop
  • Insurance Providers
  • Employers
  • Blog
  • Contact

Exercise Physiology Lab

Aug 23 2021

Lung Function

Lung function testing (or spirometry) is recommended for all smokers over the age of 45 and in any person presenting with shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, or excessive mucus production. This is a simple and non-invasive test that can be performed easily. Results from the test can be used in the identification of patients at risk for both a restrictive condition (lung volume issues) and obstructive condition (flow issues). 

If an obstructive condition is found, we can evaluate whether the condition is reversible with a bronchodilator medication (test prescribed by your GP).

We use this information to recommend whether lung function training is necessary with our Spirotiger system or the Powerbreathe. Find out more by clicking on Spirotiger or Powerbreathe button in the respiratory menu under the services menu.

The lung function test, analysis, and report takes approximately 30 minutes. Appointments can be made on the same day and results will be sent to your GP within 24 hours if required.

All tests are based on the international standards outlined in the following papers:

  • Hankinson JL, Odencratz JR, Fedan KB. Spirometric reference values from a sample of the general US population. Am J Respir Cirt Care Med 1999; 159: 179-187.
  • Pellegrino et al. Interpretive strategies for lung function tests. Eur Respir J 2005; 26: 948-968.
  • Miller et al. Standardisation of spirometry. Series “ATS/ERS Task Force: Standardisation of Lung Function Testing”. Eur Respir J 2005; 26: 319-338
  • Miller et al. General considerations of lung function testing. Series “ATS/ERS Task Force: Standardisation of Lung Function Testing”. Eur Respir J 2005; 26: 153-161.

Cost $87.00 (incl GST)

Written by barefoot · Categorized: Exercise Physiology Lab

Aug 23 2021

VO2max / anaerobic threshold with gas analysis

Athletes who excel in endurance sports generally have a high aerobic capacity or VO2max. It is not the sole determinant of endurance performance but it is considered a fundamental measure of physiologic functional capacity for exercise. If you want to be a top endurance athlete you don’t have to have the top VO2max score but you at least need to be in the high VO2max club.

The maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) recorded for competitors in distance running, swimming, cycling and cross country skiing is typically twice that of sedentary men and women. Research also tells us that a VO2max below the 20th percentile for age and sex usually reflects a sedentary lifestyle and is associated with an increased risk of death from all causes.

The measurement of VO2max with gas analysis is considered the gold standard for accuracy. The calibration with our system allows for a 3 percent margin of error.

Lactate Threshold is also provided as part of the results. Our methodology includes the use of ramp protocols (ie. a very gradual increase in workload over time) which allows us to pick up significant changes in your physiology and assess where the threshold point occurred. Knowing this threshold point is important as it tells you how much of your potential you are tapping into. For a world class marathon runner this could be 90 percent of VO2max. For a novice runner this could be 70 percent.

Our lab allows for testing on the Velotron Cycle Ergometer which provides power (watts) readings and has a small 1.5 percent margin of error. We can also test you on our new Woodway 4Front Treadmill.

Endurance athletes will also know that lactate threshold is another strong indicator of performance. Elite cyclists for example can obtain a lactate threshold which is greater than 80 percent of their VO2max. From a health perspective, if an individual had a lactate threshold lower than 40 percent of VO2max there may be some underlying dysfunction or disease taking place. Considerations could include anaemia, heart or lung disease, or pulmonary disease.

The gas analysis system (Vacumed) allows us to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide while you exercise. This allows us to measure the percentage of carbohydrate and fat you use at progressive workloads. The health of your mitochondria (the batteries in all your cells) can be interpreted from this data. It is one of our important observations with clients who may be suffering from long COVID or chronic fatigue.

Allow 60-90 mins for the entire process and this includes the presentation of results. The exercise part is less than 15 minutes.

Preparation Notes – to get the most from the test, it is best not to exercise for 24 hours prior to the test. We also recommend that you avoid food and caffeine 3 hours prior to the test. Water is fine. If you are coming for a bike test, let us know what pedals you will need (eg. Look Keo, SPD, Shimano etc). We have them all here. Just bring your cycle shoes and cycle shorts. If it is a treadmill test, just bring your running gear.


Cost $210.00 (incl GST)

Written by barefoot · Categorized: Exercise Physiology Lab

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2

Footer

Contact

Level 1, 43 Hania St, PO Box 14-405
Wellington, New Zealand

+64 4 8017395

027 452 4991

info@bodylab.co.nz

Social

Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube

Navigation

  • Contact
  • About
  • Testimonials
2025 ©
barefoot web design