The Human Performance Lab conducts body composition and metabolism testing including body density, resting metabolic rate and aerobic fitness. Testing is offered to the community for a fee.
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The Bod Pod device measures body volume using air displacement. Body volume and body weight are then used to calculate body density, which is related to the amount of body fat a person has. During the test, you are asked to wear tight-fighting attire (spandex shorts, swimsuit, sports bra, etc.), a swim cap, and to sit in an enclosed chamber for 2-3 minutes. The entire process usually takes 5-10 minutes.
Price: $50 ($35 for additional). Discounts are available for Old Dominion University faculty/staff/students, military, seniors (55+) and groups.
This scanner uses imperceptible electrical currents to quickly estimate the body's amounts of fat mass, visceral fat, lean mass, muscle mass, and body water. It also provides regional estimates of lean tissue.
Price: $50 for first test ($35 for additional). Discounts are available for Old Dominion University faculty/staff/students, military, seniors (55+) and groups.
Hydrostatic weighing is a method of measuring body composition using water displacement. Wearing a swimsuit, you are completely immersed into a tank of water and are asked to expel as much air from your lungs as possible. A measurement is taken, and the displacement of water is measured to determine body density. Typically, 4 to 5 trials are repeated. Testing usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Price: $100 for first test ($70 for additional). Discounts are available for Old Dominion University faculty/staff/students, military, seniors (55+) and groups.
Individuals burn calories at various rates depending on factors such as age, activity level, gender, body size, muscle mass, etc. This test can accurately determine the rate at which the body expends energy to support life-sustaining processes at rest. For most people, the amount of calories they burn at rest (resting metabolic rate) makes up the majority of total calories (>50%) they burn in a day. During the test, you are required to be in a relaxed supine position for 10-20 minutes while measurements of respiratory gas exchange are taken under a clear, domed hood.
Price: $75, discounts are available for Old Dominion University faculty/staff/students, military, seniors (55+) and groups.
Aerobic fitness levels are measured from the amount of oxygen consumed during a 10-15 minute progressive maximal effort exercise test. The VO2max test involves the person wearing a mask connected via a hose to a metabolic cart. The individual begins exercising at an easy intensity and gradually increases the intensity until exhaustion is reached. Maximal oxygen consumption is determined, which is reflective of a person's overall cardiovascular health and risk of diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Individuals with pre-existing disease and older than 55 years are not eligible for this test.
Price: $125, discounts are available for Old Dominion University faculty/staff/students, military, and groups.
This test involves exercising on a bike or treadmill at various sub-maximal intensities to measure carbohydrate and fat burning rates. A test typically lasts 30-40 minutes.
Price: $175, discounts are available for Old Dominion University faculty/staff/students, military, seniors (55+) and groups.