Giants put through their paces at University's new fitness labs
Thu, 16 Jan 2014 15:56:00 GMT
Huddersfield Giants are put through their paces using state of the art testing equipment in the University's new Biomechanics and Physiology labs
The University of Huddersfield is very proud to be working in partnership with the Huddersfield Giants. With the University’s recent completion of the £250,000 Biomechanics lab and Physiology labs, they were put to good use when the Huddersfield Giants were put through their paces using state of the art testing equipment on Monday.
Fitness testing is a vital part of any teams training regime and adding the scientific expertise of the University’s Exercise Science team will hopefully give the Giants an edge in the upcoming season.
The session looked at strength screening using the latest in isokinetic dynamometry technology to accurately measure muscle strength. This information can be used to predict injury and so help guide the coaching staff in putting together player specific training plans. 
They also used BodPod, considered a gold standard in terms of body composition testing. This gives exact percentages of muscle mass and body fat for each of the players which is important information when trying to achieve optimum performance.
Huddersfield Giants Head Physio, Dave O’Sullivan commented, "The advantage of using the facilities at the University allow us to do the normal testing we would at the Giants gym along with the kinetic shoulder testing and the BodPod which is all to do with testing the body fat of the individual. The facilities provided will help us to receive valuable information especially regarding the shoulder joint".
This testing was also a great opportunity for the undergraduate Exercise Science students to get involved with testing elite athletes. The experience was valuable in terms of the student’s education as well as giving them great practical experience relevant for future employment.
The testing coincided with the grand opening of Team Hud’s brand new Student Central which has fantastic sports and leisure facilities.
Louisa Horner, Senior Lecturer for Exercise Science BSc(Hons) commented, “we are really excited about working with the Huddersfield Giants. At a time when the University has invested so much in brand new Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology labs as well as the sports facilities in the brand new Student Central, it seems fitting that we are collaborating with a team of high calibre athletes such as the Huddersfield Giants”.
The combination of the University’s academic expertise in Exercise Science, state of the art facilities and the elite athletes of the Huddersfield Giants truly present a formidable team.
