An annual preventive health checkup is intended to assess health and look for medical diseases, but for most athletes and active individuals, the status quo isn’t enough. While it is essential that athletes remain healthy, many are also seeking data that can help prevent injury and enhance performance. If this is you, here are five athlete-based enhancements to consider adding:
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Body composition testing:
Body composition testing is the act of measuring height, weight, girths and body fat percentage. This data can be compared against norms to assess health status and risk, or used as a baseline to set goals and measure progress. Paired with a dietitian assessment, it can also be a valuable tool in building a nutrition plan for training or competition.
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Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS):
FMS testing involves a series of movements and exercises directed by a trained practitioner to identify dysfunctional movement patterns or body asymmetry. If identified, a plan can be built to ensure these areas don’t contribute to future injury or heed performance.
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Cardiac stress testing
Whether you’re running your first 5K or preparing for the Olympic Games, there are a number of extreme stresses that come with training and competition. Your physician may recommend that you undergo a cardiac stress test, which is an advanced method to determine your risk for cardiovascular disease, identify the presence of abnormal heart rhythms, and determine dysfunction that could lead to a heart attack. The results can help you and your practitioner build a safe exercise plan to ensure your heart can handle the maximal loads and stresses of competition.
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VO2Max with lactate threshold testing
If you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular endurance, this test may provide exactly what you are looking for. Using a treadmill or cycle ergometer, exercise physiologists record the maximal amount of oxygen you can consume to produce energy. This, paired with a lactate blood test, will allow a physiologist to provide you with customized training zones to help you improve your cardiovascular fitness. This test can also be used as a great baseline to test your training progress in future years.
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3D Biomechanical Analysis
Utilizing state-of-the-art 3D motion capture technology, our Applied Biomechanists build a 3D model of your body while you run or walk. The data collected is used to recommend solutions to help you achieve injury management, prevention or performance goals. Contrary to popular belief, this testing is not limited to the elite athlete. This test is a great tool for athletes from recreational to professional levels to get a better look at biomechanical considerations that cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Every athlete or active individual has a different health, fitness or sporting goal—so why should every individual have the same medical assessment?
Fortius annual health assessments fall under our Health Performance Optimization Program — a team of practitioners that will work to customize your assessment to your health and performance goals. The above tests are used in conjunction with medical laboratory testing and a physical exam to help increase length of life, quality of life and athletic performance.
Visit the Fortius Health Assessments website page to learn more about our different packages or call 604.292.2594 to book an appointment today!
By Dr. Simon Moore, Physician, Health Performance Optimization Program
NOTE: The content of this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes on the topics of medicine, health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, is not intended and should not be construed as the advice of a physician or medical advice. Please consult a physician for personalized medical advice.
Article written and published by Fortius Sport & Health on November 24, 2017. Follow this link for the original article.
