Students Experience Elite Sport Science at Loughborough University
Our Senior students recently enjoyed an inspiring and hands-on visit to the world-renowned Performance Laboratory at Loughborough University, where they explored how sport science supports elite athletes to train smarter and perform at their best.
One of the highlights was taking part in a VO₂ max test on a treadmill that became steeper every minute — a real test of endurance and mental resilience. Students could see how oxygen uptake is measured and how scientists determine cardiovascular fitness levels in athletes.
They also investigated anaerobic power using static bikes, measuring blood oxygen saturation and output during intense bursts of effort. The experience became even more exciting when they repeated sprint exercises in an altitude chamber set to 2,000 metres, comparing performance at sea level with reduced oxygen conditions.
To round off the session, students designed a strength-building workout for an athlete, applying everything they had learned about physiology, power and conditioning — just like real performance coaches and sports scientists.
The day concluded with a campus tour led by a current student ambassador. By chance, the university was competing against Warwick University in a BUCS competition, allowing students to experience live competitive sport across the campus. They were able to watch a wide range of sports in action, including Women’s Basketball, Mixed Badminton, Mixed Volleyball, Men’s Rugby Union, Ultimate Frisbee and Softball training.
The visit gave a fantastic insight into careers in sport science, physiotherapy and performance coaching.
