The University of Roehampton is launching a new Sports Science Service in South London, offering professional-grade testing and physiological analysis to athletes and members of the public. The service utilises the University of Roehampton’s Sports and Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Laboratories, which have been used by leading athletes, including F1 driver Oscar Piastri and tennis stars Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu. Now it is open to anyone wishing to improve their athletic performance and physical fitness.
Dr Chris Tyler, Reader in Environmental Physiology, said, “Our lab is already used by world-class names in motorsport and tennis. Now, we’re opening up that expertise to anyone who wants to optimise training, reduce injury risk, or gain a scientific edge.”
To mark the launch, the University hosted a demonstration event on Tuesday, 15 July at Whitelands College. Attendees had the opportunity to see live demonstrations of the University’s cutting-edge equipment and meet the expert team behind the service.
The University of Roehampton’s Sports Science Service offers a range of tailored assessments designed to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and inform training strategies. Standard session pricing starts from £70, making performance-focused scientific support accessible to all.
One of the most popular tests taken by top athletes, including tennis legend Sir Andy Murray and triathlon champion Lucy Charles, is the Aerobic Fitness Assessment, which measures maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O2 max) and lactate threshold, two key determinants of endurance performance and cardiovascular health. For amateur athletes, testing VO₂ max provides valuable insight into fitness levels, allowing them to track progress, tailor training plans, and train smarter by targeting specific heart rate zones for optimal performance and recovery. The Aerobic Fitness Assessment costs £110, which is comparable to the price of a decent pair of running shoes.
Other services on offer include:
- Environmental Chamber Testing: heat simulation
- Physiological Assessment: gas analysis (portable/fixed), spirometry, capillary/venous blood analysis
- Isokinetic Strength Testing: dynamometry for muscle performance
- 3D Motion Capture & Biomechanics: Vicon/Peak Motus systems, force plates, motion sensors
- Body Composition Analysis: fat/muscle ratio
Dr Sally Akehurst, Dean of the School of Life and Health Sciences at the University of Roehampton, said: “We are delighted to launch the University of Roehampton’s Sports Science Services, offering our state-of-the-art facilities and scientific expertise to athletes, coaches, and the wider community. This new service reflects our commitment to advancing health and performance through evidence-based assessment and personalised support. Whether you're pursuing elite performance or wellness, our personalised, evidence-based support can help you achieve your goals.”