Performance Testing

Performance Testing - The Basis For Successful Training!

Exact Determination Of Your Training Zones (Heart Rate & Watts)

Track Your Development & Optimize Your Training

Analysis Of Your Potential & Determine Your Most Effective Training Method

 

Athletes of all abilities and fitness levels, from recreational rider to pro, will benefit from frequently conducted performance tests. The latest scientific research goes into our test protocols and we employ modern high-end equipment (spirometry, 12-canal ECG, Cyclus 2 ergometer, lab-quality lactate equipment) to provide you with the most accurate training zones and exactly track your progress.

 

Our performance tests are designed to determine much more than just your anaerobic threshold. By using many additional parameters we are able to identify specific strengths and weaknesses in your cardiovascular fitness and can show you how you can improve your training. The key aspects of our performance diagnostics include spiromerty, lactate, and heart rate analysis. On an individual basis, we will determine which protocol is optimal for you and best suits your needs.

 

Since the interpretation of the test data requires experience and expertise, we put an emphasis on extensively discussing the test results with you and take the time to explain the tests results in regard to an improved training regimen. After all, performance testing is a measure to refine your training approach and provide a feedback loop.

 

▼ Training Zones and Tracking Development

Training Zones

Having a powermeter and/or heart rate monitor doesn't help much if you don't know your training zones.

Formulas like the Karvonen-Formula ([HRmax - RHR]* %intensity + RHR) may give you a direction, but may not be very accurate for you individually since it is based on the "average person". A key benefit of performance testing is the determination of your individual training zones (heart rate, watts, percieved exertion), which is the basis for an efficient training. If you want to train as effectively and efficiently as possible, you should test your performance on a regular basis.

 

Especially in endurance sports like cycling and triathlon, frequent performance testing is important if you want to gradually and constantly improve your fitness level. Performance test data should never substitute coenesthesia, yet it is a valid tool to help determine the optimal training workload. Athletes that use a too high workload train themeselves "into the ground". Vice versa, if training with a too low workload performance plateaus.


Weekend worriers and amateurs with limited time budgets for training will benefit most from frequent performance testing that helps to ensure optimal workload, maximizing fitness. Cutting out the junk miles and optimizing the workload will help you to get the most out of your training.

 

Tracking Development

An athlete's performance changes constantly. The body constantly adapts to imposed demands. Simply put, if you stress your body it will adapt. If you don't, adaptations are reversed. Changes occur constantly - even within a few hours. Since a performance test is a snapshot of your fitness level, it sometimes is hard to compare two different tests. However, the more tests in a given time frame exist, the easier it is to identify a trend.

 

In order to monitor your development and assess the effectiveness of your training, it is important to conduct performance tests on a regular basis. The closer the "snapshots" the more effectively the training can be modified and the more accuarte is the overall picture. One test per year cannot do this and you might as well save the money. If you are serious about testing in order to optimize your training you should do at least is 2-3 performance tests / year.

 

See Where You Stand
Your test data can be compared to other athletes in your discipline and age group. This way we can determine where you stand compared to your competitors. We can assess how much you need to improve to achieve a certain goal that involves placings or rankings or how much of an advantage you have over your direct competitors.

1

PowerFingerprint Test

Der PowerFingerTest - die zur Zeit komplexeste und aussagekräftigste Leistungsdiagnostik!

 

 

 

  • Analysis & Evaluation Of Your Entire Performance Spectrum - From Explosiveness To Long-Distance Endurance
  • Strength & Weakness Analysis
  • Optimize Training Efficiency
  • Duration: 2:30 h

 

The SPT PowerFingerprint Test is currently one of the most complex performance tests. It is not only the first choice of competitive athletes, but everyone who wants to know about every aspect of their fitness level. Using the PowerFingerprint Test we are able to assess the complete spectrum of your performance - from anaerobic fast-twitch ability to long-distance endurance. Assessing your complete power profile allows us to identify individual strengths and weaknesses in regard to your fitness and performance goals, enabling us to show you effective ways to achieve them.

2

Lactate Turnpoint Test

Der Senkentest ist genauer als der Laktatstufentest!

 

 

 

  • Determination Of Middle & Long-Distance Endurance
  • More Accurate Than The Graded Lactate Test
  • Train Efficiently With Accurate Training Zones
  • Duration: 2:00 h

 

 

Using the Lactate Turnpoint Test, we are able to identify your anaerobic threshold, also known as lactate threshold, more accurately than when employing a standard graded lactate test.

3

Graded Lactate Test

Der Lakatstufentest - ein Klassiker in der Leistungsdiagnositk

 

 

 

  • The Standard Test To Determine Lactate Threshold
  • Official Test Protocol Of the German National Cycling Federation
  • Validation Through Optional Spirometry
  • Duration: 1:30 h

 

 

Since the Graded Lactate Test is a widely used test, we use for comparison purposes of an athlete's previous test results. In addition to the direct correlation between exercise intensity and heart rate, lactate concentration in the blood also increases with increasing intensity. Measuring lactate levels allows to determine an athlete's anaerobic threshold, training zones, and current fitness level.

4

VO2max Test

Mittels Spiroergometrie wird die VO2max präzise bestimmt.

 

 

 

  • Determination Of Maximal Rate Of O2 Utilization
  • Evaluation Of Physiological Potential
  • Optional Validation Of Graded Lactate Test Data
  • Duration: 1:00 h


 

The ability to utilize oxygen and mainly use aerobic pathways for energy production are key factors in endurance sports. Assessing your VO2max, your maximal oxygen uptake, allows us to identify your athletic potential. The VO2max is genetically predetermined and can only be improved to a small extend through training (in absolute terms). However, the ability to perform at a high percentage of your VO2max for a fairly long period of time can be trained. Determining where your threshold is in regard to your VO2max provides valid information regarding your current fitness level and development.

5

Isokinetic MaxStrength Test

Der isokinetische Maximalkrafttest - ein weiterer Baustein unserer Leistungsdiagnostik.

 

 

 

  • Identify Most Efficient Cadence
  • Determination Of the Dynamic Strength Potential
  • Analysis & Evaluation Of Movement Efficiency
  • Duration: 1:00 h


 

Using high-end equipment we are able to determine your most efficient pedaling cadence. We will let you perform maximal sprints at a given cadence (which is fixed and cannot be overcome). At the same time we measure at which cadence you are able to produce the most power, thus have your maximal strength potential. We can also assess your movement efficiency and give you valuable information on how you can improve your technique in order to be as efficient as possible and save energy in races.

Performance Tests in Comparison

 

 

PowerFingerprint Test

Lactate Turnpoint Test Graded Lactate Test VO2max Test Isokinetic MaxStrength Test
Long-Distance Endurance    
Mid-Distance Endurance      
Short-Distance Endurance        
Sprinting Abilities        
Max Power        
Max O2 uptake (VO2max) * *    
Training Zones (HR, W)    
Metabolism Simulation        
Optimal Cadence        
Extensive Test Documents    
In-Person counseling interview    
           
Duration 2.5 h 2 h 1.5 h 1 h 1 h
Prices

$250

 $200 $170 € $120 $90
           
Spirometry * * *  
Fat & Carbohydrate Metabolism Analysis    
12-Canal ECG    
Lactate Analysis    
Max Lactate Accumulation Rate        

Body Composition

    

* only in combination with spirometry

Preparation for a Performance Test

At the time of the test you need to be healthy. There should be at least two weeks between full recovery (from a cold, etc.) and the test. You should not engage in competition or highly intense training within 72h prior to the test. Don't change your eating habits, for example engaging in a diet, closely before the test. The last meal should be taken in about 3-4h before the test. Please bring your clean bike, shoes, cycle wear (bibs, jersey), and a towel.

Equipment

Hochleistungs-Ergometer und Spiroergometrie-System

 

 

 

 

To gather valid data it is incessant to have good equipment. For us "good" is not good enough, however. In order to achieve the highest accuracy we use the latest and most up-to-date equipment. We employ the Cyclus2 high-end ergometer, which allows you to use your own bike during testing, using direct drivetrain technology. We also have a Cortex Spririometry measuring station and an extensive high-end lab configuration, ensuring the highest accuracy.

 

Cylcus2

Die Steuereinheit des Cyclus 2 - während der Leistungsdiagnostik hat sie der Athlet immer im Blick!

As bike fit experts we know how much even tiny deviations from your usual position can affect your performance. Even if your fit wasn't perfect to begin with, changing it right for the performance test, to the better or worse, would alter your performance test results significantly. That's why we do all the testing on your personal bike, using a high-end Cyclus2 ergometer with direct drivetrain technology. A special mounting suspension gives you a road-like feel, the direct drivetrain prevents slip, which is especially important for sprint testing, and the fact that you are performing the test on your own bike in your usually position minimizes performance-altering variables and ensures the most valid test data possible.

 

► Quality Characteristics of the Cyclus2 Ergometer

  • Accurate test data by eliminating performance altering due to position changes. The Cyclus2 supports road, triathlon, cyclocross, and track bikes, and MTBs
  • Special mounting suspension gives road-like feel and handling, especially when getting out of the saddle
  • Direct, nonslip drivetrain with a resistance of up to 3000W
  • Realistic Simulation of training and racing (road racing, track team pursuit, etc.)
  • Electronic shifting replaces the shifting on your bike. Even gear-ratios that are not on your bike can be simulated and tested.
  • Grades up to 15% can be simulated.
  • Multiple ways of resistance can be used: Power (independent from cadence), pedal force (cadence-dependent), simulation of rolling and air resistance, and isokinetic

 

Spirometry

Specifically for VO2max testing we have a high-tech CORTEX spirometry measuring station, including a 12-canal ECK, at our disposal. CORTEX is world market leader and its spirometry systems have specifically been developed for athletic testing purposes. Furthermore CORTEX systems are also used in research, sports medicine, and cardiology.

 

Lab

Laborequipment für höchstmögliche Genauigkeit und eine präzise Diagnostik!

We use high-end lab equipment by Diasys, Dr. Lange, and Hitado & Diaglobal to ensure accurate measurements of all tested parameters. The blood's ability to transport oxygen is a crucial factor for performance in endurance sports. In order to assess your abilities as precisely as possible we employ lab equipment of the highest quality. Among other parameters, we can determine erythrocyte levels, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and iron levels on site.