On January 4, the RunLab welcomed four of the leaders of Newark’s Brick City Run Club (BCRC) to the Gait Lab for testing. BCRC is a 501 c3 non-profit organization trying to bring movement to the residents of Newark, strengthen the community, and build progress – Brick by Brick.
The RunLab set up a collaboration to support the mission of BCRC. Many of the members of BCRC are new to structured exercise and activity and are interested in more than just running. We set up a testing procedure that looks at overall physical performance and can serve as a baseline for training efforts. Specifically, we looked at:
- Running mechanics using the RunScribe Gait Lab
- Total body strength via the Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull (IMTP)
- Grip strength
- VO2 max estimation via the Queens College Step Test
- Lower body strength and endurance via chair rise tests
- Lower body power via a standing broad jump
- Calf strength using an video movement analysis
- Neuromuscular control and coordination via a single leg squat test
We chose these tests because they are relatively quick and easy to perform while still giving the client valuable information about their current physical performance. Specifically, many of these tests and measures have normative data and benchmarks from large samples in the literature. We can use this information to help these athletes plan out a thorough program to improve their health and physical performance.
BCRC is offering a 10k Training Program for its members and RunLab testing is included. We can’t wait to see more runners in the lab and to get people moving.
Check out the sample report for the type of feedback we were able to provide.