hpmc

Delivering scientific support, applied research and consultancy in sports and health.

Motion and Performance Centre

About the Motion and Performance Centre

The Motion and Performance Centre (MPC) is the research and consultancy arm of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, which is also closely linked to the Institute of Health and Society.   

MPC is based at the University's St Johns campus and aims to provide a high quality and comprehensive service to the region’s sportsmen and women of all ages and abilities, as well as the general public.  The Centre is accessible to all and offers a full range of services to support anybody with a desire to enhance their sport or exercise performance or to generally keep fit and healthy.  It is a valuable resource for those wishing to increase their understanding of sport and exercise science and currently offers educational workshops and work placements to various interested parties. 

Resources include psychology, physiology and biomechanics laboratories, field-testing equipment, extensive training facilities, seminar and lecture rooms and British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accredited staff.  The Centre benefits from expertise in a wide range of areas, ranging from Physical Activity, Exercise and Health to Biomechanics and Sport and Exercise Physiology.

 

Meet the Team

                                               
Jenny Burchill              Dr Dan Eastough         Joe Bevins
MPC Coordinator          Senior Lecturer           Senior Technical
                                  in Biomechanics          Engineer


                 
Dr Mark Corbett           Andrea Faull               Julia West
Technical Engineer       BASES Accredited       Senior Lecturer
                                  Sport Psychologist       in Sport & Exercise
                                                                   Science

             
Annie                          Dr Paul Castle            Professor Alan St
Lambeth-Mansell          BPS Chartered           Clair Gibson (Zig)  
BASES Accredited        Sport & Exercise        
Physiologist                 Psychologist              

               
Andy Renfree              Glyn Harding               Dr Derek Peters  
Senior Lecturer            Senior Lecturer           Principal Lecturer 
in Sport & Exercise       in Sports Coaching      in Sport & Exercise 
Science                       Science                      Science  

             
Alice Mooney               Chris Hughes              Dave Mycock
Lecturer in Sports        Senior Lecturer           Lecturer in Sports
Therapy                      in Biomechanics          Coaching Science 

             
Donna de Haan           Haydn Jarrett               Louise Martin
Senior Lecturer           Senior Lecturer            BASES Accredited
in Sports Business       in Sport & Exercise       Physiologist
Management               Science


             
Helen Corke                Christian Edwards       Jenni-Louise
Senior Lecturer in        Lecturer in Sports        Johnson
Physical Education       Coaching Science        PhD Student

 

Services Overview

Current Services Offered

The Motion and Performance Centre (MPC) provides support for teaching, research, consultancy and other forms of income generation for a range of areas within the University, mainly, but not exclusively, those related to Sports and Health. A list of our services can be found below, or from the dropdown above.

Performance Testing

For those with a desire to enhance their sport or exercise performance, the
MPC offers a number of performance assessments for individual athletes and
teams. These assessments can measure current fitness levels and enable the
prescription of appropriate training programmes. Individual performance
assessments available include VO2 Max and Lactate Threshold and are conducted
by BASES accredited staff. For teams, the MPC offers a battery of physiological
fitness tests to measure characteristics such as flexibility and speed.

The MPC also offers functional health-related performance assessments, for example
assessing the range of motion at a specific joint. Functional capacity testing can be
conducted to assess the ability of a client to return to work following illness or injury.


VO2 max Test

Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max) provides a measure of aerobic power. It reflects an individuals’ ability to take in, transport and use oxygen at the active muscle. Typically, the higher an individual’s aerobic capacity the greater their endurance ability. Maximal aerobic power is influenced by a number of factors including muscle mass, age, gender and training status. In untrained individuals, VO2max can increase by as much as 20%, however in already trained individuals changes are much lower.

After a gentle warm up the test will begin, increasing in intensity every minute until volitional exhaustion or until the athlete has the inability to maintain the required pace.  Heart rate and oxygen consumption (using a gas collection mask) will both be measured continuously during the test.

This test can be completed using the treadmill, cycle ergometer (or own bike) or rowing machine, to best suit the athletes needs.

Lactate Threshold Test

The body constantly produces lactate. At rest and in light exercise the level of lactate that is produced is small enough that you can effectively remove it from the working muscles without it becoming problematic. With increasing exercise intensity, lactate production increases and reaches levels that become problematic due to the association of lactate and fatigue. By assessing blood lactate at a range of exercise intensities a blood lactate curve can be plotted. From this curve we can determine i) Lactate Threshold and ii) Lactate Turnpoint which are important indices in monitoring your aerobic and anaerobic fitness.

Following a gentle warm up the test will begin, increasing in intensity every three minutes until volitional exhaustion.  At the end of each 3 minute stage, a blood sample is taken (either from the finger or ear lobe) to measure blood lactate.  Heart rate is also monitored throughout the test.

This test can be conducted on a treadmill, bike or rowing machine, to best suit the athletes needs.  

Combined LAVO Test

The LAVO test is designed to measure both maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max) as well as lactate profile.  The protocol for this test usually consists of six 3 minute stages, each at increased intensity, followed by minute long stages each increasing in intensity until volitional exhaustion occurs.

Following completion of this test, you will be provided with a feedback report detailing your test results, calculated thresholds, comparisons to normative data and recommendations on how these results can be used to inform your training. 


If you are interested in booking a test, please contact mpc@worc.ac.uk for further details.

Performance Analysis

Performance Analysis

The MPC also offers a video and match analysis service for a wide range of sports.
Using a variety of performance analysis software, including Swinger, Quintic, Dartfish,
SportsCode Elite and ProZone, team and individual performance can be analysed
in order to inform the coaching process and ultimately improve performance. The
type of analysis can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual and/or team.

Previous clients include: West Bromwich Albion FC Academy, Worcester
Wolves Basketball Club and Worcester Blind Football Club.

Sports Therapy and Injury Rehabilitation

With more people participating in sport and exercise, there is an increasing
demand for professional care. The MPC offers a range of injury rehabilitation
services such as 3D Gait Analysis and use of the Isokinetic Dynamometer
to assess range of motion around most of the body’s major joints.


Isokinetic Dynamometer

The Isokinetic Dynamometer is a testing and rehabilitation system capable of measuring a range of isolated joint movement patterns in four resistance modes: isotonic, isometric, isokinetic and passive.  



Parameters tested include strength, power, fatigue and imbalance.  Muscles can be tested both eccentrically and concentrically at speeds ranging from slow (15° per sec) to fast (500° per sec), however the most appropriate test will be selected based on client history and requirements.  Joints able to be tested are shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, hip, knee and ankle.  A printed report displaying the results from the muscle function being tested is provided for clients.

Clinical Gait Analysis

 

Gait analysis provided at MPC is based on 3D motion capture using a 15 camera
system. This process involves the patient walking across force plates within the
laboratory, with a number of small reflective markers attached to body landmarks
allowing digital reconstruction of the underlying skeletal movement during
locomotion. Reports can be produced to show joint movement both in graphic
and 3D visual form, allowing easy diagnosis and communication of results. 

 

Sports Therapy

The MPC Mobile Unit provides a fantastic facility for taking Sports
Therapy out to the sporting community. A dedicated team provide
Sports Massage to athletes at sporting events, including the London
Marathon and Evesham Indoor Rowing Championships.



In addition, there are also Sports Injury & Massage Clinics on campus in the Sports Therapy Clinic, located in the Bredon Building.

Sports Injury Clinic
Monday 16:00-19:00                                               
Tuesday 16:00-17:00
Thursday 16:00-18:00                                              
£5 per session 

Sports Massage Clinic
Tuesday 10:00-12:00
Wednesday 09.30-12.00
£3 per session

To book an appointment, send an email to sportstherapyclinics@worc.ac.uk or call 01905 855476

Sports Nutrition

Nutrition is an important factor in any exercise or sporting performance, be
it at recreational, sub-elite or elite level. The MPC offers a range of Sports
Nutrition workshops and one to one consultations to help athletes have
a better understanding of the impact of nutrition on performance.

Staff at the MPC can provide information on the basic nutritional principles
underpinning performance, the components of good sports nutrition and
how eating and drinking the right foods and fluids may have a significant
impact upon the quality of training and overall performance.

Following the completion of a seven day diary, food diary analysis can
be conducted using specialist nutritional analysis software. Detailed
feedback on diet and its potential impact on performance is supplied,
as well as providing a series of nutritional recommendations.



Previous clients include: Worcester Rowing Club, Birmingham City
FC Academy and FA England Senior Women’s Football Squad.

Anyone interested in learning more about Sports Nutrition should contact mpc@worc.ac.uk

Sports Psychology

Sport Psychology is an interesting and important aspect of sport which can frequently
make the difference between winning and losing. Coaches and athletes alike can
learn how to improve mental skills such as dealing with the pressure of a big game,
managing nerves, capitalising on an opponent’s lapse in concentration, or how to use
mental skills to learn new techniques, strategies or patterns of play. Sport psychology
can help educate and raise awareness in both athletes and coaches to some of the
issues that may be hindering their performance.

The MPC offers individuals and groups the chance to improve on their mental game and ultimately their
performance and benefits from experienced staff with expertise in applied Sport Psychology.

Sport Psychology support can be provided in the form of consultation
on a one to one or small group basis or alternatively, workshops
can be delivered to meet your club/group requirements.

Previous clients include: West Bromwich Albion FC Academy, Worcestershire
County Cricket Club Academy and the Icelandic Horse Society of Great Britain.

Please contact mpc@worc.ac.uk for further details.

Educational Workshops

The MPC specialises in working with schools and colleges through the Aimhigher scheme in order to raise aspirations and awareness of progression to sports science related courses at HE level.  Workshops can be tailored to suit specific requirements containing various elements of sports science and physical activity and health.  Common topics have included lactate threshold testing, an introduction to biomechanics, dealing with pressure during competition and disability sport. 

Workshops can be offered as sports science taster sessions, or targeted towards GCSE, A level and equivalent syllabuses. 

Using the Mobile Unit, the MPC sports science roadshow can attend schools, colleges and conferences to give children a hands-on experience of different aspects of science within sport.

A full list of all educational workshops on offer will be coming soon.

 
  

Health Care

The Motion and Performance Centre offers numerous opportunities in the Health field.  These opportunities include the ability to provide objective, diagnostic data to clinicians to aid pre and post operative therapeutic regimes and the ability to assist physiotherapists and osteopaths to objectively pursue and monitor rehabilitation.  

MPC can also provide a mobile health screening facility and assist with the development of programmes for early screening, risk assessment and exercise for falls prevention.

              

Previous research conducted in the MPC has included the analysis of gait in children with Cerebral Palsy.  In addition, MPC have been involved in the development of a saddle wheelchair, along with Malvern based Charity ARCOS, for children with this condition.

Biomechanics

Motion Analysis in MPC is based around a purpose built laboratory that will allow almost any conceivable workplace or sporting environment to be recreated, this allows a full range of biomechanical analysis techniques to be used: 
  • Kinematics - using high speed video or motion capture, allowing the activity to be scientifically measured to a high level of precision. 
  • Kinetics - measurement of force either by the subject using a state of the art isokinetic dynamometer which measures joint strength or using force platforms which measure the forces involved in the participants interaction with the ground. EMG also allows the muscle activation to be measured and considered as part of the analysis.

By assessing movement, MPC is able to provide advice on reducing the risk to employees, optimising working practice and reducing costs. MPC's research and consultancy capability means the analysis offered can have benefits to a wide range of companies and organisations. 

Previous work conducted in the Motion Analysis Laboratory includes:

  • Assessment of sporting performance in a wide range of sports.
  • Equine analysis, including saddle mapping and movement analysis of horse and rider
  • Design assistance for manufacturers of new products.
  • Job capability, to assist employers in determining whether a member of staff has fully recovered from injury / illness for return to work. 
  • Manual handling assessments for a number of large shipping organisations.  
  • Motion capture for animation.

 

Coach Education

test

Sport Management

testing

Price List

 VO2 Max test  £60
 Lactate Threshold test  £60 
 Combined LAVO Test  £80 
 Nutritional Analysis  from £60
 Cybex (Isokinetic Dynamometer) Assessment  from £35
 Gait Analysis  from £50 

 

 

*All prices are exclusive of VAT


Prices for additional services can be obtained on request from mpc@worc.ac.uk

Facilities

Motion Analysis Laboratory

The Motion Analysis Laboratory is a purpose-built facility fully equipped to perform
advanced biomechanics and motion analysis. The Lab is 1,000 cubic metres in volume
and is fitted with filtered through flow air conditioning and TeraFlex sports flooring.
Equipped with large systems of both Qualisys and Vicon motion capture devices, the
motion analysis lab is ideal for performing motion capture over large volumes and
is capable of analysing almost all movement, be it human, animal or mechanical.

BASES Accredited Human Performance Laboratory

The Human Performance Laboratory is a fully air conditioned facility which
is accredited by BASES for physiological assessment. Equipment within
the laboratory includes online gas analysis and ECG monitoring during
walking, cycling, running and rowing, blood analysis equipment for lactate
threshold determination and an anaerobic power testing station.

Performance Analysis Suite

 

The Performance Analysis Suite is equipped with 23 computers licensed with
performance analysis software including Swinger, Quintic, Dartfish, SportsCode
Elite and ProZone. These software packages are used to provide accurate
visual feedback and an objective assessment of performance in order to
inform the coaching process and ultimately improve athlete performance.

 

Sports Centre

 

Sports and Fitness Centre including large sports hall, fitness suite,
gymnasia, dance studio, floodlit tennis courts, floodlit sand based
astroturf and third generation astroturf and extensive playing fields.

 

Mobile Unit

The MPC Mobile Unit is an articulated vehicle that opens into a 36 square
metre, air-conditioned laboratory space with washroom facilities and
administration area. The Mobile Unit can be utilised as a motion analysis
laboratory equipped with two force plates and a full motion capture system
or as a mobile facility in which numerous services can be offered, for
example sports therapy, health screening or sports science roadshows.


Motion Analysis Laboratory

 


MPC Mobile Unit

Research

In relation to sports performance, technique analysis has been undertaken on
the GB Dragon Boat team, GB Equine team and the England Cricket team. In
addition, the Worcester Wolves Basketball team participated in a research project
to evaluate the impact of biomechanical and psychological interventions on free
throw performance. Our sports physiologists have investigated the physiological
demands and pacing strategies of cross-country mountain bike racing. Pacing
during 20km cycling time trials has also being investigated by an inter-disciplinary
research team including psychologists, a physiologist and a biomechanist.
Pacing continues to be a key area of ongoing research for the MPC staff.

The MPC staff have an established research base investigating physical activity
and health. Funding to evaluate a number of regional community based
programmes to improve healthy lifestyles has been awarded. Specialist product
development work has been undertaken to develop a saddle wheelchair for
cerebral palsy sufferers, whilst movement analysis research has investigated
deviation from the global reference frame during normal walking.

The specialist facilities of the MPC have supported a number of PhD students
from the University of Worcester and the University of Birmingham, including
research looking at the effects of aging on movement performance, the
impact of physical activity on balance, gait and stability in older persons
and the effects of specific strength & conditioning interventions on
performance related fitness in female novice equestrian event riders.

News

Stroke Survivors Could Benefit from Listening to Regular Beat

A joint project between the University of Birmingham and the University of Worcester is looking into how listening to a regular beat could help stroke survivors improve their walking and reduce the risk of a fall. 

The new study has been launched to find out how the use of a metronome, a device used by musicians to keep to a beat, could aid stroke patients.  According to the Department of Health every year approximately 110,000 people in England have a stroke, which is the single largest cause of adult disability.  About 80% of people who have had a stroke suffer a degree of muscle weakness associated with one side, which could lead to an uneven walking pattern.  

Dr Rachel Wright, Post Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham’ s School of Psychology, said: “An uneven walk can lead to a greater risk of a fall, and once someone has suffered a fall they can be fearful of falling again. This can prevent people from participating in activities that they once enjoyed because they are so worried about falling over. “Through this research we hope to look at how the use of a metronome can help to regulate a stroke patient’s walk and help them to achieve symmetry.”  

Dr Wright is carrying out the research using the University of Worcester’s state-of-the-art Motion Performance Centre.  Participants are analysed using the latest motion capture equipment to analyse how they walk before and after the introduction of a regular beat.  “This is a three-year project funded by The Stroke Association,” said Dr Wright. “We hope that the results will be used to design a home-based exercise programme which stroke survivors can use as part of their rehabilitation.”   

Dr Wright is currently looking for stroke survivors to assist in the research and would like to hear from anyone in the Worcester area who is willing to take part. For more information call 01905 857523 or email r.wright.1@bham.ac.uk

 

Motion & Performance Centre staff help Warriors' Matt Mullan to recover

Matt, who made his England debut in Rome last month, coming on as a second half replacement in their 17-12 win against Italy, recently returned from injury.

The Bromsgrove School educated prop had torn a hamstring during a Warriors game back in October last year.

He was helped in his recovery by staff at the University’s Motion and Performance Centre (MPC), who carried out detailed assessments and analysis of his condition.

Staff used a Cybex Isokinetic Dynamometer, a specialist piece of equipment which measures joint strength, power, fatigue and imbalance.

Mick Donovan, Head of the University’s Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “Detailed analysis provided by the Motion and Performance Centre aided Matt’s recovery process. Our staff are highly experienced and the technology we use is state-of-the-art. We were only too happy to help on this occasion.”

Events

Mountain Mayhem 18th-20th June 2010

The Motion and Performance Centre (MPC) will be taking the Sports Science Mobile Unit to this year’s Mountain Mayhem.  Staff from the MPC will be on hand to offer sports science tips for riders on how to improve their performance, as well as providing demonstrations on the sports science services available at the Centre, which is based on the University campus in St Johns, Worcester.  Sports nutrition, physiology and psychology support will be available, as well as a bike fitting service.

Workshops / Demonstrations on offer in the MPC Mobile Unit will be:

ESSENTIALS of Sports Nutrition Workshop

Come and learn more from our Sports Nutritionists about pre/during/post event nutrition and how it can affect performance.

Lactate threshold testing

See a Lactate threshold test being conducted by our Physiologists and learn more about how your lactate profile can inform your training.

Reaching your flow state

How do you get 'in the zone' for competition? Come to our Sports Psychology workshop and find out more.

Through the night

Get top tips from our Sports Scientists to help get you through the night at Mayhem.

Additional services available throughout the weekend:

Batak challenge

Test your reaction times on our Batak Challenge.  Random targets will light up on the Batak Wall for 30 seconds and remain on until they are struck out.  Come and have a go and see how many targets you can strike out.  For just £1 your score will go on our leader board, with prizes going to the top 10 at the end of the weekend.  All money raised will go to our chosen charity, Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign. 

Hydration monitoring

Sign up before the event by emailing mpc@worc.ac.uk or with us in person on Friday and be 1 of 50 competitors to have their hydration levels monitored throughout the 24 hour event.  This way you can ensure you are suitably hydrated and able to perform effectively.

Dietary analysis

Sign up before the event by emailing mpc@worc.ac.uk or with us in person on Friday to have your pre/during and post diet analysed by our Sports Nutritionists.  We will give you a diary to record your dietary intake on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and will provide you with a SAE to return the diary to us.  We will then send you a feedback report and some useful tips for future events.

Bike fitting

Unsure about your riding position? Come and speak to our technical engineers who will assist you to find the correct position and give you some useful bike fitting tips.  If you would like to experience our bike fitting service prior to the event, please contact us at mpc@worc.ac.uk

Sports Psychology questionnaires

Find out about your individual psychological profile

For a copy of the schedule of MPC activities at Mayhem, please click here

 

MPC Mountain Mayhem Workshop/Demo Schedule

Clients

Arrow Vale High School

Association for Physical Education

Bishop Perowne C of E College

Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College

Blitz Games

Bone Matters

British Horse Society

Droitwich Spa High School      

Droitwich & Worcester City SSP

GlaxoSmithKline

Herefordshire College of Technology

Kidderminster College

Manufactory Advisory Service, West Midlands    

Me...Time Pilates

Racewood Limited

Royal Grammar School

Telford College of Arts and Technology

Two-0-six Physiotherapy

Wellington College

West Bromwich Albion FC Academy

Worcestershire County Cricket Club

Worcestershire County Football Association

Worcester Sixth Form College

Worcester Triathlon Club

Worcester Warriors RFC

Worcester Wolves Basketball Club

 

Testimonials


"I was impressed with the whole experience. I will be back again in 4-6 months and I’m also exploring your website for other services that could be worthwhile. A happy customer!"
(Craig Best, Performance Testing Client)

"Very informative workshops with a mixture of delivery methods, which was good to maintain concentration."
(Worcestershire FA Referee following attendance at Sports Psychology & Nutrition Workshops)

"A thoroughly constructive and thought provoking workshop."
(Client of Coach Mentoring Workshop)

"The students found it very enjoyable and it gave them a really good insight into the University environment."
(PE Teacher, Worcester Sixth Form College following a Sports Science Taster Day)

"I was very impressed with the facilities that are available and I hope to use them again in the future."
(Richard Dawson, Performance Testing Client)

 

 



 

Contact

For all enquiries relating to the Motion and Performance Centre, please contact mpc@worc.ac.uk or call 01905 857520.

Our postal address is:

Motion & Performance Centre,
Thomas Telford Building,
University of Worcester,
Henwick Grove,
Worcester,
WR2 6AJ.

If you are coming to visit us in person, you can download a directional map, a campus map or a UK map, from the links in the right-hand column.

The following links will help you to plan your journey from your starting point to the University of Worcester.

You can find further details about parking, airports, bus stops and directions by viewing the useful links within the right-hand column.

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