Sports physiology identifies and measures physical and physiological characteristics of an athlete which contribute to performance in individual sports whilst trying to find the most effective methods to influence these characteristics to increase athletes’ chances of success. Sports physiology in Pavel Kolar´s Centre of Physical Medicine focuses on the following question: what limits the performance of an athlete and how can we improve sport performance?
Whether you are a top athlete, just sport in your free time or may have decided to run a marathon, attend an Ironman race or just want to improve your performance – you will definitely want to verify the effects and find the right intensity for your training. Thus, find out your maximum aerobic capacity, optimal heart rate during exercise, determine your body’s response to varying lengths and intensity of stress, or change your body composition. In our centre there is a team of specialists who will be able to optimise your sports performance based on various examinations and tests and help you to achieve your goals.
You can choose from a wide range of tests in our centre. These tests include training intensity settings, metabolic flexibility testing, VO2 Max with ventilation function analysis, INSCYD test or resting calorimetry test. If you are not sure what type of examination is right for you, it is recommended to have an initial consultation.
Initial Consultation (1 hour)
Having an initial consultation is an ideal starting point especially for athletes who train on their own and do not know how to lead their training or which tests they should undergo. During the consultation, your specialist will discuss your medical history, goals, training plan and determine procedures to follow.During consultations in our centre we also analyse and modify athlete training plans.
Price: CZK 2900
Training Intensity Setting (2 hours)
Correct training intensity (zones) settings are one of the cornerstones of effective training. There are many ways to define zones, but it is difficult to say which is best. It depends on the type of sport, discipline, philosophy of training and other factors. Therefore, the tests used in our facility do not consider just one parameter, but several approaches, or a combination of them. If clients already use their zones, we will set them according to their habits. The type of test, including protocol and other factors, will be chosen mutually with the client immediately before the test.
At the end of the consultation, a detailed discussion regarding examination results is conducted, with the aim being to implement them into the specific training plan for the athlete. Indications: Performance athletes using pace, performance or heart rate as a tool to control the intensity of training. Non-professional athletes who have started their training and whose coach or training plan assumes knowledge of training zones.
Price: CZK 6000
Examination of Metabolic Flexibility (Fat Max zone, Workload Calorimetry) (2 hours)
Metabolic flexibility is the ability of the body to use two basic sources of energy dynamically – sugar and fat, so that muscles economically utilise energy sources. Metabolic flexibility has recently been popularised, but very often incorrectly; whether as a holy grail or as a maximum fat loss zone. This is a totally incorrect understanding of the principle. In terms of target performance, it is necessary to be familiar with the physiology of the required workload and the composition of energy substrates. For some types of workload, high flexibility is a necessity, however, for others it can be an obstacle. Sometimes this test is confused with the FatMax test. For us, this value represents one part of the examination.
Indication:
- Performance of non-professional athletes for whom metabolism is critical for performance (such as triathlon, long runs, cycling, cross-country skiing, etc.)
- People who need to lose weight or undergo a specific diet (e.g. low carb diet).
- Diabetics and patients with impaired glucose metabolism
Price: CZK 6 000
VO2 Max Test – maximum oxygen consumption (2 hours)
Perhaps this is the most well-known test in sports medicine. It has been overestimated, underestimated and, unfortunately, very often incorrectly performed therefore with misleading results and interpretations. The test specifically measures maximum oxygen consumption and works with other functions, especially of the respiratory system. It allows basic diagnosis of respiratory limitation. Obviously, the identification of ventilatory thresholds is included. This test, unlike metabolic flexibility tests, better evaluates the intensities at the upper level of the intensity spectrum and the body’s response to maximum stress. The examination is concluded with a detailed discussion of the examination results with the main aim being to implement these into the athlete’s specific training plan.
Indication:
- initial parameters for a patient entering a metabolic rehabilitation program
- to verify aerobic system training effects
- planned stay in an alpine environment
Price: CZK 6 000
Resting Energy Expenditure (1 hour)
Examination to determine the basic (basal) metabolism and composition of fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Upon agreement, urine collection and protein metabolism can be added. The examination is always carried out in the morning under resting conditions. The examination is also complemented by a bioimpedance method of body composition using a professional InBody device. For validity of the examination, preparation and regimen precautions are required (2 hours without food and without drinking quantities of liquids).
Indication:
- Patients with the aim of changing body composition, reducing or increasing
- Athletes with Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome or eating disorders
- Patients with chronic stress syndrome
Price: CZK 2900