Students in INT550 Sports Science recently transformed the pool deck into a working exercise physiology lab as they conducted blood lactate threshold testing as part of the course's ongoing study of human performance and training adaptation. The lab combined scientific analysis with hands-on experimentation, giving students the opportunity to experience firsthand many of the concepts they have explored throughout the term.
The testing protocol challenged swimmers through five progressively more difficult efforts, each separated by three minutes of recovery. During every stage, students gathered and analyzed a range of physiological and performance data, including swim times, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and blood lactate levels. The process allowed students to connect classroom theory directly to measurable athletic performance.
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INT550 Sports Science examines the science behind human performance and training adaptation through an interdisciplinary lens that blends biology, athletics, and physiology. Throughout the course, students explore topics such as muscle physiology, aerobic and anaerobic energy systems, VO2 max, recovery methods, fatigue, and performance testing. The class emphasizes collaborative discussion, problem-solving, and critical thinking while encouraging students to take an active role in their own learning.
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That student-centered approach was on full display during the lactate testing lab. Students organized the testing protocol, operated the equipment, collected and interpreted data, and worked collaboratively to support one another through the demanding workout. The experience not only deepened their understanding of exercise physiology, but also gave them practical insight into the types of testing and analysis commonly used in high-performance athletic environments.
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Beyond the scientific concepts, the course continues to provide students with a unique opportunity to bridge academics and athletics in meaningful ways. By combining scientific literature with experiential laboratory work, INT550 Sports Science challenges students to think critically about performance, training, and recovery while applying those lessons to their own athletic pursuits.
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"It is beneficial for students to actually experience the theories they are reading about," said instructor Don Mills. "Those hands-on connections create a deeper understanding that they can apply to both the classroom and their own athletic endeavors."
