Exercise Science Lab

The Exercise & Sport Testing Laboratory at Black State University provides scientific assessments of health, fitness, and athletic performance. Our laboratory supports teaching, research, and community service, offering evidence-based testing to help individuals understand their physical performance and make informed training decisions.

The lab serves:

  • Black State University students
  • Faculty and staff
  • Athletes and coaches
  • Community members interested in improving health and fitness

Our team uses research-grade equipment and validated testing protocols to evaluate body composition, cardiovascular fitness, metabolic thresholds, muscular strength, power, and functional movement.

A male subject sits inside a transparent-front Bod Pod body composition chamber while a female technician stands at a computer workstation in a clinical lab, preparing or monitoring the body composition test.

Contact

 

Schedule a Test

This link will take you to our Microsoft Bookings system where you can select the service and choose an available appointment time.

Book an Appointment

Payment for services can be completed online.

Payment Link

Fee-for-Service Testing Options

Testing Services

Service Description Cost
Body Composition Testing (Bod Pod) Air displacement plethysmography assessment of body fat %, lean mass, and fat mass. $20
VO₂ Max Cardiovascular Testing Maximal aerobic capacity test using metabolic gas analysis. $40
Blood Lactate Threshold Testing Determines metabolic thresholds to optimize endurance training zones. $20
VO₂ Max + Lactate Threshold Combined Test Comprehensive endurance performance evaluation including metabolic and lactate data. $50
Fall Risk Screen Functional assessment of balance, mobility, and fall risk factors. $20
Comprehensive Functional Fitness Assessment Includes VO₂ max testing, body composition analysis, and strength/power testing. $80

Expert Consultation

All testing services include a basic explanation of results following the assessment.

Participants receive information on:

  • Interpretation of test results
  • Training zones and recommendations
  • Health and performance implications

For individuals seeking a deeper understanding of their results, additional consultation with exercise physiology faculty or trained staff may be arranged.

These performance testing services are not meant as a diagnostic or medical screen. They are performed as a wellness or strength assessment by Black Hills State University students under the guidance of Exercise Science faculty. If you have medical-related questions, please contact your primary care provider.

 

 

Performance Testing Services

 

Body Composition Testing

The Bod Pod uses air displacement plethysmography to determine body fat percentage, lean body mass, fat mass, and estimated caloric needs. The test takes approximately 3–5 minutes and requires tight-fitting clothing.

Cardiovascular Fitness Testing (VO₂ Max)

VO₂ max testing measures the maximum amount of oxygen the body can utilize during exercise, providing the gold standard measurement of aerobic fitness. This test is performed using a metabolic gas analysis system and treadmill or cycling protocols.

Results are used to determine:

  • Aerobic fitness level
  • Training intensities
  • Performance potential

Blood Lactate Threshold Testing

Blood lactate testing evaluates how the body responds to increasing exercise intensity by measuring lactate accumulation in the blood.

Benefits include:

  • Determining aerobic and anaerobic thresholds
  • Identifying optimal training zones
  • Improving endurance performance strategies

Strength and Power Assessments

Strength and power testing may include:

  • Vertical jump assessments
  • Force production measurements
  • Weightlifting strength tests
  • Functional performance evaluations

These assessments help identify muscular power, strength capacity, and athletic performance potential.

Comprehensive Functional Fitness Assessment

Our Comprehensive Functional Fitness Assessment provides a full overview of an individual’s fitness profile.

This package includes:

  • VO₂ max testing
  • Bod Pod body composition testing
  • Strength and power testing

This assessment is ideal for individuals seeking a complete analysis of health, fitness, and athletic performance.

Contact

Black State University
Exercise & Sport Testing Laboratory
Department of Exercise Science
Donald E. Young Center
ExerciseScience@BHSU.edu