Tests|

Below you can find all the different tests what we have to offer - anything from physical tests to testing you ski equipment!

Aerobic capacity test

For whom?  The test is for elite cross-country skiers and competitive recreational athletes.

Why? A long aerobic capacity test is completed in order to measure an individual’s endurance capacity and maximal oxygen uptake. The test tells us about the distance skiing capacity (when the skiing distance is over 5 km) and its development over time. The test should be done two to three times a season in order to monitor the athletes’ physical condition and to get direct training guidance based on the existing situation.

How? This test is done on a large treadmill using either pole walking, roller skiing with double poling technique, or roller skiing with Gear 3 (V2) skating technique. The test protocol consists of three-minute loads that increase such that loads become progressively harder. In the pole walking test both speed and gradient are increased gradually while during the skiing tests (DP and G3) only the speed increases and a constant uphill gradient is used. Each test is done until voluntary exhaustion in order to determine the maximal oxygen uptake and corresponding workload. Blood lactate is measured from the fingertip between every load when the treadmill is paused. Expired breathing gases are measured during the test using an ergospirometer.

What does the customer get? The customer will get a report that contains information about their aerobic and anaerobic thresholds as well as maximal oxygen uptake.  Based on these parameters, the athlete will get heart rate zones for different intensity levels and guidelines for training. In addition, special technique guidance is provided from the roller skiing tests for each athlete. During the test, video is captured by cameras located to the side and rear of the athlete. Technical parameters (REF) are also collected and analyzed with the Coachtech system. After the test, the athlete will be provided with credentials for the Coachtech online feedback system where the videos and parameters can be viewed and compared to previous tests.

 

Aerobic Capacity Test – Protocol

 

Coachtech skiing test variables and definitions HERE!

 

Back to top

Anaerobic capacity tests

For whom? The test is for elite cross-country skiers and competitive recreational athletes.

Why? This test determines anaerobic capacity, power, economy and the functionality of the neuromuscular system. In other words, this test measures the characteristics needed at workloads that exceed maximal aerobic capacity during short sprints. The test gives us information on sprint skiing capability and helps us to monitor sprint skiing development.

How? This test is done on a large treadmill using ether pole walking, roller skiing with double poling technique, or roller skiing with Gear 3 (V2) skating technique. The test protocol consists of 20 second workloads followed by 100 seconds of rest. Each subsequent load is increased such that the following load is always slightly harder than the previous one. In the pole running test both speed and gradient are increased gradually while during skiing tests (DP and G3) only the speed is increased and a constant uphill gradient is used till the end. This test is done until voluntary exhaustion in order to determine the maximal power athlete can achieve. Lactate is measured from the fingertip during each rest period between loads.

What does the customer get? The athlete receives a report that shows the speeds / power at the lactate levels of 3, 5, 7, 10 and 13 mmol/l, which indicates the status of his/her anaerobic capacity. In addition, special technique guidance is provided from the roller skiing tests for each athlete. During the test, video is captured by cameras located to the side and rear of the athlete. Technical parameters are also collected and analyzed with the Coachtech system. After the test, the athlete will be provided with credentials for the Coachtech online feedback system where the videos and parameters can be viewed and compared to previous tests.

 

Anaerobic Capacity Test – Protocol

 

Coachtech skiing test variables and definitions HERE!

 

Back to top

Biathlon shooting tests in laboratory

For whom? Biathlon shooting laboratory tests are suitable for all biathletes who have learned the basics of shooting. The tests are designed for those performing systematic biathlon shooting training.

Why? The biathlon shooting laboratory test is performed to measure the technical components of shooting (rifle sway, aiming, triggering, balance) and to follow their development. The difference compared to field tests, in which the number of hits, points, running time, or a combination of those is measured, is that in the laboratory test the components behind the result are analyzed. This could be compared with endurance performance testing, for example, by looking at the difference between the 3000 m running test time and the incremental VO2max treadmill test by pole walking or roller skiing on the treadmill in which breathing gasses are analyzed and lactate is determined from fingertip blood samples. The 3000m running test only gives you time, whereas the VO2max test gives you information about thresholds and training intensity zones, VO2 values and economy at certain speeds, etc.

How? The test or a combination of tests (single-shots/5-shot series, prone/standing) is selected based on the athlete’s training background, level and needs analysis together with the tester. Usually the first test session consists of single-shot testing. After the first test, the most suitable tests for follow-up of the individual’s progress are determined. In one test session the athlete can perform either a singles-test and a 5-shot series test using the same shooting posture (prone or standing), a singles-test using both shooting postures (prone and standing), a 5-shot series test using both shooting postures (prone and standing), or any of the different tests separately.

The tests are performed in standardized conditions in a shooting laboratory using dry-firing at a scaled target 10 meters away from the shooter. In the single-shots test the athlete performs zeroing and 20 x 1 shot, rebuilding the shooting posture for each repetition. In the 5-shot series test the athlete performs zeroing and 10 x 5 shot series using his/her normal shooting rhythm, rebuilding the shooting posture for each repetition.

What does the customer get? The level of each technical component of shooting (rifle sway, aiming triggering, balance) are analyzed. Using a web browser based Coachtech application, the customer is able to see the shots performed during the test graphically (aiming point movement, postural sway). It is also possible to compare any two selected shots/series graphically within each test or between tests.

 

Coachtech biathlon shooting test variables and definitions HERE!

 

Back to top

Equipment Tests

For whom? National Teams, Equipment manufacturers, Ski Clubs and professional athletes.

Why? Having accurate data measured from sporting equipment is essential for equipment development and selection. Equipment tests in Vuokatti offer accurate friction measurement for the skis and force transmission properties for the pole shafts. Test data can be used in product development as well as for the selection of the skis and other products. Typical equipment tests are testing pack deformation, wax and grind tests and pole prototype tests.

How? Ski tests are done with a custom-made ski tester on real snow. The temperature of the snow and air can be selected as desired in our specialized cold laboratory where the ski tester is located. The pole force transmission test is done to measure maximal axial force transmission for each pole shaft. As a by-product, the test gives an estimate of shaft bending properties. The test is completed by pressing the pole shaft from both ends axially.

What does the customer get? From the ski test and the pole force measurements, the customer gets a report with measured friction values and the climate data. The customer also gets a professional evaluation of the result as planned with the customer.

 

Back to top

Other endurance tests

Indirect bicycle ergometer test

The test determines individual heart rate zones for endurance training, as well as the aerobic and anaerobic threshold. The test is done on a bicycle and usually takes a maximum of 15 minutes. During the test, the resistance is increased step by step. The heart rate is also monitored and the subject is asked about the strain they are experiencing. The test is suitable for everyone, regardless of the age or fitness level of the test person. The test also does not demand maximal efforts.

UKK 2 km walking test

The test tells what the endurance fitness of the person being tested is, in relation to health and performance capacity. During the test, the person walks two kilometers in relatively fast speed. The fitness evaluation is based on the walking time, the heart rate at the end of the test and the background factors of the person (gender, weight/height, age). The test is suitable for exercisers of all levels.

 

Back to top

Muscle Fitness Tests

A traditional measuring repetition test is used in the muscle fitness test, in a studied way. In the muscle fitness test, the muscle endurance of the abdominal and back muscles and also the upper and lower limbs is tested. The test is a repetition test, in which specified movements are done for 30 seconds.

In addition to the measuring traditional tests, there are also isometric strength measurements and jumping tests done on a contact mat at the test centre, as well as tests done with the aid of a radar for even the most demanding trainers.

 

Back to top

Firstbeat

Firstbeat measurement is based on the heart rate variability analysis. Firstbeat measures your recovery and helps to recognize stress factors in your work and freetime. Even the small changes might help you to improve your well-being. Firstbeat analysis measures the quality of your sleep and helps to find solutions for better recovery. The result of the analysis will tell you if your active enough and if your training is efficient enough in order to achieve positive health benefits and better physical shape.

The package includes:

  • Three day heart rate variability measurements in your daily activities
  • Delivery of the Firstbeat device and an envelope to return the device back to us (in Finland, outside Finland with further discussion)
  • Individual well being reports through email
  • 30 min feedback conversation on the phone with one of our professionals
  • Suggestions based on your results to improve your well being

 

WATCH A VIDEO >>

 

ASK MORE AND BOOK YOUR TEST HERE >>

Back to top

InBody – Measurement

InBody measurement is an easy, quick and reliable way to measure the composition of your body. The measurement results provide diverse and detailed information about things such as the muscle mass, fat percentage and visceral fat amounts, as well as about fluids inside the body.

InBody measurement is done by standing with bare feet in the InBody device and holding onto the handles of the device. It is recommended that the measurement is done in the mornings, before eating breakfast and preferably with as little clothing as possible in order to facilitate and guarantee reliable results. The measurement does not cause pain or any other unpleasant feelings.

 

Back to top