Height is measured to the nearest 0.1cm using a wall mounted stadiometer. Weight is measured to the nearest 0.1kg using an electric scale. The average of two measurements is used to calculate body mass index (BMI = kg/m²).
Resting blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. The average of two measurements is used to calculate systolic and diastolic values.
Body composition can be measured by anthropometric measures of waist and hip circumferences or a 7-site skinfold test. Circumferences are measured using a spring loaded gulick, and calipers are used for skinfolds. The CERC also has capacity to measure body composition using the gold standard, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). DEXA is a full body scan that measures fat mass, fat free mass, visceral adiposity and bone mineral density. The scan lasts approximately 10-15 minutes.
Through indirect calorimetry with the ParvoMedics system, the CERC has the capability to measure resting metabolic rate (RMR). This is often referred to as ‘basal metabolic rate’ or the amount of calories expended at rest. Resting heart rate is also determined by this protocol. This test takes approximately 50 minutes to complete.
Using the Biodex System 3, the CERC offers measurements of muscular strength, peak torque, work and power.
An environmental chamber is housed in the CERC, which allows for measurements under controlled conditions at various levels of humidity and temperature.
Cardiovascular fitness is measured in the CERC using a motorized treadmill. Expired gases are collected with the ParvoMedics metabolic system to determine maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), maximal heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and aerobic/anaerobic threshold. Cardiac activity is monitored with a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Testing protocols vary according to fitness status.
The CERC provides both cardiovascular (via treadmill or recumbent bicycle) and resistance training for research studies. Training is tailored to the specific objectives of the project. Pricing varies and is negotiated on an individual basis.
The CERC has a phlebotomy room where blood is collected, processed and stored. In collaboration with the Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory, the CERC has the capacity to analyze collected samples for lipids, glucose, metabolic hormones, cytokines, inflammatory markers, indicators of appetite and hunger and others.
The CERC provides a variety of services including survey administration and participant interviews. Pricing for these vary and are negotiated on an individual basis depending on type.