Do you have a hundred dollars burning in your pocket, begging to be spent? That is a rather nice dilemma to have but I can't say it is something I usually worry about. That's approximately how much you can expect to pay if you want to have your VO2max tested professionally. Knowing your aerobic threshold, lactate threshold, and VO2 max can be useful when you customize your training program. At the same time, I can think of many better uses for those funds. Paying for my race expenses and saving up for my next pair of skates quickly come to mind!
If you live in the vicinity of any post-secondary institutions with focus on medical researches, you are in luck. Researchers need subjects for their studies so those are opportunities to have your VO2 max tested for free. Body composition measured using fancier devices than your usual caliper is another popular one. If you're lucky, you may even get compensated for participating in the study. How do you go about looking for these opportunities?
First, find the right school. Colleges and universities that are affiliated with hospitals or well-known for their medical programs are the first places to look. If the school has an athletic centre, go check it out. At this point, you don't have to visit the gym in person just yet. Visit the website and look for information such as cardiovascular testing lab. The floor plan of the gym is another good source to check out too.
Once you've targeted a school, it's time to visit. Keep your eyes out for posters and bulletin boards in the gym. Researchers who are interested in physically active people for related studies are more likely to post ads there. Read the qualifying criteria carefully and get in contact with the researchers. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
- What is the purpose of the research?
- What kind of test procedures are done? Are the procedures invasive? Do they affect your training and performance?
- What is the time commitment? If it is a lengthy study, can you opt out part way through (because you never know)?
- Will you have access to your own test data? What about confidentiality?
- Is there compensation involved?
Evaluate these information with your own training and lifestyle before making a decision to participate in the study. Of course, it's also a good idea to discuss with your coach and/or doctor too if you have concerns. Now, just where is my piggy bank so I can set aside the money I saved?
My recent experience as a participant of a study at University Of Toronto is quite interesting and provides me with many test data that I wouldn't otherwise have. It is rather involved in comparison to most typical studies with multiple visits to the lab and hospital. In addition, I needed to keep a food and exercising journal in between visits. However, the tests were so cool and I got to chat with the researchers on the ins and outs of these tests. I had my VO2 max tested, body composition scanned using DEXA, blood glucose level regulated, calf muscle expansion measured in response to blood pressure pre- and post-workout, nerve response tracked in the presence of negative vacuum, and more blood pressure and heartrate recorded than I could imagine possible. All of these data will be useful and serve as an accurate picture of my current fitness level.
Hello Dream Chaser,
I really enjoyed your article and I was hoping that I could also participate in a study like this one. I live in Toronto, so I would like to know if you have any information regarding upcoming studies, or a contact email, or number so I can inquire myself.
Thank you very much.
Dean
Posted by: Dean Labayen | December 09, 2012 at 20:31