Human Performance Lab
The Frederick Community College Human Performance Lab (HPL) is housed in the newly renovated Linganore Hall and is the primary academic space to support teaching, learning, and hands-on experience in the Health and Exercise Sciences program. This state-of-the-art lab allows students to perform physiological assessments to determine aerobic and anaerobic capacity, body composition and metabolic rate and the impact on health, performance, and recovery/rehabilitation.
Equipment and Technology
- BodPod Air Displacement Plethysmograph
- InBody770 Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer
- Parvomedics True One 2400 Metabolic Cart
- GE Case Electrocardiograph
- Six Monark 626E Cycle Ergometers
- Two Trackmaster TMX428CP Medical Grade Treadmills
- Lactate Plus Blood Lactate Analyzer
- Biopac Systems Electromyograph
Human Performance Lab Testing
Unlock Your Potential with Data-Driven Insights
Our Human Performance Lab uses advanced testing to help you understand, track, and
optimize your fitness. Whether you are aiming for peak athletic performance, weight
management, or overall wellness, we provide the measurable results you need to reach
your goals.
Community-Wide Access: Testing is open to the public, with special discounts for FCC students and staff, military, first responders, and partner facilities.
Core Services
Aerobic Capacity - VO₂ Max Testing
Measure your body’s maximum oxygen uptake to evaluate cardiovascular fitness and endurance capacity. VO₂ Max is the gold standard for assessing aerobic performance and can guide individualized training plans.
Body Composition Analysis
Go beyond the scale. Our body composition testing provides an accurate breakdown of fat mass, lean muscle mass, and overall body composition to better track progress and tailor nutrition or training strategies.
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Testing
Learn how many calories your body burns at rest each day. Understanding your RMR is essential for building effective nutrition and weight management plans that are tailored to your unique metabolism.
Want to take your training to the next level? Aerobic capacity is assessed using a VO₂ max or maximal oxygen consumption test by measuring how much oxygen your body uses at maximal intensity, exhaustive exercise and can be used to guide training protocols for aerobic athletes.
Using a treadmill or stationary exercise bicycle, we directly measure the amount of oxygen your body can utilize at maximal intensity exercise and include a report of VO₂ max along with other fitness parameters.
Pretest Considerations
- Avoid intense exercise 24-48 hours prior to testing
- Stay hydrated
- Eat light 2-4 hours prior to testing
- Wear comfortable workout clothing and appropriate shoes
- Cyclists can bring pedals and cycling shoes
Body Composition Tools
BODPOD
Body Composition is the amount of body fat and fat-free mass within your body. We use the BODPOD to determine body density which calculates body volume divided by body mass. Density then determines percentage of body fat and fat-free mass. The BODPOD is the gold standard body composition measuring system used by researchers, elite athletes, and the military.
InBody 770
The InBody 770 uses bioelectrical impedance by sending a low-level electrical currents through the body to measure body composition including segmental body fat, muscle mass, and water content. Body composition test includes both methods.
BODPOD Instructions
In order to produce the most accurate results, it is necessary for you to complete and adhere to the following protocol prior to completing the scheduled body composition analysis.
The subject should wear minimal, form fitting clothing.
For WOMEN
- Form fitting Speedo® or other Lycra®/spandex-type swimsuit; or
Single-layer compression shorts (only shorts without padding and single-layer (not padded) sports bra.
For MEN
- Form fitting Speedo® or other Lycra®/spandex-type swim suit; or
Single-layer compression shorts (only shorts without padding)
Please note that a swim cap will be required to be worn during the testing process while in the Bod Pod. The swim cap will be provided or you can bring your own.
- DO NOT EXERCISE 2 HOURS PRIOR TO TESTING.
- DO NOT EAT 2 HOURS PRIOR TO TESTING.
- Prior to completing the body composition analysis, please use the restroom, if necessary.
- Subjects should not wear any other article of clothing except for what specified above (i.e. jewelry, socks, eyeglasses, etc.)
Resting metabolic rate is the amount of energy (calories) your body needs to function
while at rest and does not include physical activity or exercise. This test is the
gold standard for determining dietary energy requirements. Clients will receive a
detailed report of RMR that can be used to make informed decisions.
These tests are only scheduled for 8am or 9am slots. For accurate results, participants
should not eat or drink 12 hours prior to the test (except water), refrain from exercise
for 24 hours prior to the test and avoid stimulants such as caffeine the day of the
test. Consult with your physician before skipping any prescribed medications.
For weight management, see Body Composition and RMR package.