Performance Services
ELEVATE YOUR PERFORMANCE.
Located in the heart of TrackTown, USA, the Oregon Performance Research Laboratory (OPRL) offers cutting-edge methods, world-class equipment, and diverse expertise for conducting performance assessments unparalleled in the state.
We’re passionate about helping individuals and teams maximize their performance by better understanding their unique physiology. Our data-driven and individually tailored approach will provide you with actionable insights to improve your training or competition strategy.
Whether you’re looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon, set a personal record at your next Ironman triathlon, or simply looking to optimize your performance capabilities, our comprehensive services are designed to help you reach your potential.
EXPLORE OUR SERVICES
VO2MAX
Determine your Maximal Aerobic Capacity through gold-standard methodology.
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What It Is: VO₂max is the maximum volume of oxygen your muscles can consume per minute, determining your aerobic capacity.
Why It Matters: VO₂max is a critical metric for many athletes, especially endurance athletes, and represents a ceiling for aerobic energy production. In a sense, it dictates “how big your engine is,” helping to describe limitations to high intensity exercise performance.
How We Test It: VO₂max is determined by wearing a breathing mask or mouthpiece to measure respiratory gasses. The test begins with an easy warm up followed by 10-15 min of slowly increasing intensity (i.e., speed/incline on treadmill or power on bike) until you reach maximal effort and fatigue.
What You’ll Learn:
- Your VO₂max (ml/kg/min) and how this compares to your peers and other athletes you anticipate competing against.
- Your maximum heart rate and approximate training zones for endurance optimization.
- Basic insights into how to improve your aerobic capacity and overall endurance.
THRESHOLD
Dial in your training zones by precisely identifying your physiological thresholds.
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What It Is: As you increase exercise intensity, you cross over two primary thresholds: lactate threshold (i.e., GET, LT1, ‘aerobic’ threshold) and lactate turnpoint (i.e., critical power, RCP, LT2, ‘anaerobic’ threshold). The power/speed at which these occur generally separate sustainable from less sustainable, and less sustainable from unsustainable intensities, respectively.
Why It Matters: These thresholds are used to prescribe training intensity and define training zones. Having accurate training zones is critical because physiological adaptations are significantly dependent on intensity.
How We Test It: These thresholds can be determined multiple ways. Often, a “step” test is performed consisting of 6-10 three to five minute intervals which slowly increase in intensity to maximal or nearly maximal effort. Respiratory gasses and/or blood lactate samples are measured at each step to verify when the these thresholds occur.
What You’ll Learn:
- The running speed or cycling power and heart rate that occurs at these thresholds.
- Determination of training zones and insight for improving these thresholds.
EFFICIENCY TESTING
Measure your running economy or fuel utilization to optimize equipment or nutrition strategies.
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What It Is: Economy testing determines how well you translate metabolic energy into mechanical energy (i.e., speed/power). Fuel utilization describes the proportion of carbs vs. fats used to create that metabolic energy.
Why It Matters: Athletic performance isn’t only about having a big engine, but also how efficiently it runs. Athletes who produce a given speed or power more efficiently will have more energy later in competition. For example, certain running shoes can affect how much energy is required to run a given speed. Knowing which shoes perform best for your unique running style can optimize your performance.
How We Test It: We use a breathing mask to measure your respiratory gasses while biking/running at your typical or expected race pace or competition intensity. We then compare your energy requirements in different scenarios, such as different cadences, shoe types, or other equipment.
What You’ll Learn:
- How your economy compares to your peers or competitors and which equipment or scenarios are most optimal for your performance.
- Fuel utilization and the performance implications.
HEMOGLOBIN MASS AND BLOOD VOLUME
Gain deeper insights into your oxygen carrying capacity and track your training adaptations.
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What It Is: Hemoglobin (Hb) carries oxygen in the blood to muscles. Blood volume (BV) refers to the total amount of blood in the body. Increasing these improves oxygen delivery to muscles for more sustainable and total aerobic energy production.
Why It Matters: Typical blood tests measure Hb concentration (g/dL), but this doesn’t tell you how much total Hb and blood is in your body. Low or high Hb concentration doesn’t necessarily mean your oxygen carrying capacity is low or high. Hb mass & BV are also influenced by altitude and heat training. Performing this test before and after altitude/heat camps is recommended for monitoring adaptations.
How We Test It: We use the safe and effective Carbon Monoxide Rebreathe Method which uses the dilution principle and CO molecules to “tag” Hb. This process takes about an hour of lying down with two 6-minute periods of breathing into a mouthpiece and a couple of finger pricks.
What You’ll Learn:
- Blood Volume (L), Plasma Volume (L), Red Blood Cell Volume (L), Hb mass (g) and how they are impacted.
- Learn more on our infographic!
PERFORMANCE CONSULTING
Set goals and create race strategies using validated performance models.
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What It Is: In our current age of “big” data, it’s easier than ever to efficiently and accurately collect many types of athletic and performance related data. In our performance consultations, we utilize our expertise along with any of your existing training/racing data and/or any data from our performance services to help you strategize your next race.
Why It Matters: Data is only useful to the extent that you know how to use it. Our consultations will help you set realistic training or racing goals and strategies to minimize poor race pacing, fueling, or preparation.
How We Test It: You provide us with any and all training, racing, and equipment data that you can. If you’ve also performed any testing with our lab, we’ll utilize all of it to help you optimize your training or racing strategies.
What You’ll Learn:
- Strategies and ideas for optimizing your training or race day performance including pacing, fueling, and pre-race preparation.
CUSTOMIZED TESTING
Not sure what you need? Or have a unique situation? We have it covered.
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In addition to pre-set testing services, we also offer a bespoke or custom approach to our services if you have a unique or complex situation.
Our team has diverse expertise and methodologies for developing a personalized suite of testing options. We want to ensure you have all the knowledge you need to perform at your best.
Ready to schedule? Fill out the form at the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are these assessments for?
Our services are a good fit if you’re a competitive athlete looking to push the limits of your performance.
When can services be scheduled?
Most of our services and assessments can be scheduled during the following hours:
Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm
Saturday 9am – 12pm
How do I schedule a service or test?
*Scheduling will open February 1, 2025!*
Complete the ‘Performance Services Interest Form’ below; we will contact you to gather more information and arrange scheduling.
Where are you located?
Our lab is located in Esslinger Hall on the University of Oregon campus along University Street.
Esslinger Hall 156
1525 University Street
Eugene , OR 97403
We’ll share more information about parking and finding the lab after getting you scheduled!
How much do services cost?
Many of our assessments are fixed costs. Some tests can be combined and an hourly fee assessed instead. Our consultations and custom approach utilizes our hourly fee. Most customized approaches can be achieved with less than 3 hours of service.
- VO₂max Test: $150
- Threshold Test: $200
- Efficiency/Economy Testing: $150 – $250
- Hb Mass & Blood Volume Test: $225
- Hourly Rate: $100 per hour
Do you take insurance? How do I pay?
We do not accept or bill insurance. You will receive a quote prior to scheduling your services and an itemized invoice following your services.
We currently ONLY accept checks for payment.
Who will I work with?
Check out our team page here!
What should I bring to the lab? How should I prepare ahead of time?
When you come to the lab, bring a water bottle and typical exercise/training clothes and shoes. If you anticipate testing different equipment or shoes, bring that as well. If you are performing a test on the bike, our bike is equipped with flat and SPD pedals. You may bring your own pedals if you want.
Prepare for the testing like you would for a big workout that you want to execute really well. Avoid any high intensity workouts and alcohol 24 hours before testing and hydrate and eat as you typically would before a big workout or competition.
Can I shower after an exercise test?
Yes! We have a full bathroom with a shower and towels which you can use following any exercise testing.
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