Human Performance Lab
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ABOUT US
As a division of the Sierra Park Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Therapy (SPORT) Center, the Human Performance Lab specializes in cardiopulmonary function testing and evaluation, physiological testing and analysis for athletes, along with sub-maximal exercise testing and wellness programming for the general community. Test results are used to develop exercise prescriptions and training programs to improve one’s fitness, well-being, health, quality of life, and athletic endurance performance.
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Dr. Rich Price,
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Richard Price, M.D., is the Medical Director of performance, rehabilitative, and therapeutic services at the S.P.O.R.T. Center. Dr. Price received his medical degree from Georgetown University. His area of focus is non-operative sports medicine and orthopedics, and family practice. Dr. Price is a triathlete and races regularly in Xterra events as well as 24-hour mountain bike races. He is a 2005 NORBA National Champion and founder of Team Mammoth.
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Rita Klabacha, M.S., is Mammoth Hospital’s Exercise Physiologist. She conducts wellness, exercise, and athletic testing in the SPORT Center’s Human Performance Lab under the direction of the lab’s medical director, Richard Price, M.D. Additionally, she works with orthopedic and post-rehabilitative patients in the SPORT Center’s physical therapy department. Rita received her masters degree from San Diego State University, specializing in the physiological testing of athletes and the inhibitory effect of lactate on free fatty acid mobilization during high-intensity exercise. Rita is an Ironman distance triathlete and USA Triathlon certified coach.
Kevin Thomas, P.T.A., has over 14 years of experience as a licensed physical therapy assistant. Kevin is an avid cyclist and has specific training in bike fitting to optimize performance and minimize potential musculoskeletal strain.
SERVICES
Performance Testing:
An understanding and use of exercise physiology testing is the foundation of sound athletic training and coaching. Two physiological tests are commonly performed on athletes: VO2max and Lactate Threshold. Both parameters are strongly correlated with an athlete’s endurance performance.
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Dr. Mike Karch, orthopedic surgeon, Mammoth SPORT Center,
two-time finisher Badwater Ultramarathon, Ironman triathlete.
Photo courtesy of Jim Stimson.
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Lactate Threshold:
An athlete's ability to tolerate lactic acid in, and remove lactic acid from, the bloodstream and muscle tissue is shown to be associated with endurance performance capability. By taking measurements of the concentration of blood lactic acid over increasing exercise intensities, an individualized training program can be developed to further enhance endurance performance.
During the course of this test, very small blood samples are taken from the subject via “fingerstick” and the concentration of lactic acid is measured.
A blood droplet measured
for blood lactic acid concentration.
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VO2max testing:
The measurement of maximal aerobic capacity is important for determining appropriate training programs for endurance athletes. Aerobic capacity is the ability of an athlete to utilize the most efficient metabolic energy source.
For an accurate VO2max test the blood delivery capacity of the heart must be maximally stressed. This is done via a variety of exercise protocols that are specialized for runners, cyclists, skiers and other athletes. Most tests are completed within 8 to 12 minutes.
The Human Performance Lab uses a ParvoMedics TrueOne 2400 Metabolic Analyzer for all VO2max testing. Adhering to the American College of Sports Medicine standards and guidelines for exercise testing. A resting EKG may be required prior to testing if contraindications to exercise testing are present.
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VO2max test on the bike
Lowell Jones, Bishop CA,
preparing for the 2005 Hawaii Ironman Triathlon Championship
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Bike Fit Analysis:
Precise bike fit analysis has been shown to positively affect one’s cycling performance as well as minimize or eliminate cycling related musculoskeletal strain. The Human Performance Lab is equipped with the expertise to optimize your cycling performance through use of the CompuTrainer system and ensure proper biomechanical fit by our expert staff.
Community Wellness and Fitness:
Local residents and visitors to the Mammoth Lakes community have access to our medically-based and physician referred services to improve their general health, fitness and well-being. These include: determination of resting metabolic rate, sub-maximal exercise testing, baseline fitness assessments, and exercise program education and development. Follow-up testing services, client and patient support continue on an on-going basis.
Get Started Now:
Join us for a seven-week workshop for healthy living. As part of the Live Better, Live Longer Wellness Program at Mammoth Hospital, we are offering a new exciting workshop to the community. The structure will be a weekly class, held on Tuesday evenings from 5:30-7:00 pm with activities and participation to address individual goals. The first session will start on February 10th. Bring a friend and receive a $20 discount off the $150 cost of the full 7-week workshop. Take advantage of this workshop with expert instruction from Nancy Akalin, PhD, clinical psychologist; Rita Klabacha, MS, Exercise Physiologist; Pam Horan, RD; and guest speakers from the Physical Therapy staff. Call 934-7302 for more information and sign up early as space is limited. Make your health a priority and get started now!
Athlete Outreach:
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The S.P.O.R.T. Center is an official provider of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team and Team Running USA. The Human Performance Lab also provides testing services for local Junior Olympian Nordic Skiers.
Junior Olympian Dayna Stimson of Crowley Lake.
Photo courtesy Jim Stimson photography
www.jimstimson.com
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The S.P.O.R.T. Center also proudly supports the following local athletic clubs, teams, and resources:
CONTACT INFORMATION
Human Performance Lab
Mammoth Hospital SPORT Center
P.O. Box 660
85 Sierra Park Rd.
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Phone: (760) 934-7302
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