Sports Performance Testing: The Science Behind Unlocking Your Athletic Potential

Unlocking Your Athletic Potential

Why Performance Testing Matters

You train hard, but you’re not seeing the results. You hit plateaus, fatigue early, or struggle to find the right training intensity. Whether you're preparing for competition or trying to optimise your health, guessing won’t get you there.

At Exercise Matters in Noosaville, we use advanced sports performance testing to provide clear, objective data about your body’s capabilities. From strength and mobility profiling to sport-specific testing, we help athletes and active individuals train smarter, not harder.

What Is Sports Performance Testing?

Sports performance testing uses scientific assessments to measure physical capacity, identify weaknesses, and guide training. Common tests include:

• Strength & Power Testing (e.g., isometric mid-thigh pull, 1RM testing)

• Mobility & Functional Movement Screening

• Body Composition Analysis (lean mass vs fat mass)

• Jump Mechanics & Rate of Force Development

• Sport-Specific Movement and Load Testing

Who Is It For?

• Field and court sport athletes (football, tennis, AFL)

• Endurance athletes (runners, cyclists, triathletes)

• Recreational exercisers wanting data-driven progress

• Youth athletes preparing for elite programs

• Adults focused on longevity, fitness, or body composition

Our Testing Process

1. Initial Consultation

We identify your goals, training history, injury profile, and performance benchmarks.

2. Customised Testing Battery

Based on your sport and goals, we select appropriate tests:

• Athletic Testing Battery: Measures strength, stability, flexibility, and speed

• Sport-Specific Analysis: Identifies optimal performance traits and injury risks

• Vertical Jump/Countermovement Jump: Assesses explosive power

• Isometric and Dynamic Strength Tests: Detect asymmetries or imbalances

3. Results & Reporting

We generate an easy-to-read performance report with:

• Normative data comparisons

• Key physical benchmarks

• Visual charts for goal setting

4. Program Design

Our Exercise Physiologists can build you a tailored training plan based on your results.

Why Objective Testing Works

Subjective feedback has value, but data eliminates the guesswork. Testing:

• Identifies hidden weaknesses (e.g. asymmetries or low power output)

• Tracks adaptation over time

• Improves efficiency by targeting areas of greatest weakness

• Boosts motivation and accountability

Case Study: Alex, Competitive Tennis Player

Alex, 22, was struggling with shoulder fatigue and inconsistent footwork late in matches. He wanted to improve agility and on-court explosiveness. Our performance testing revealed:

• Below-average lateral power output on the non-dominant leg

• Scapular control deficits during overhead movements

• Limited thoracic mobility impacting serve mechanics

  
  

We designed a program focused on single-leg plyometrics, core stability, and thoracic mobility. After 10 weeks:

• His lateral agility scores improved by 18%

• Overhead shoulder strength increased 22%

• He reported better match consistency

What Makes Exercise Matters Different?

• Evidence based approaches

• Athletic movement screening

• Sport-specific strength profiling

• Clinician-led interpretation and planning

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to be an athlete to do performance testing?

No. We test recreational exercisers, weekend warriors, and those focused on health, not just athletes. Testing helps anyone who wants to train with purpose.

2. How often should I do performance testing?

Every 8–12 weeks is ideal to track progress and adjust training. Strength and movement assessments may be repeated more frequently during targeted blocks.

3. What should I bring to a testing session?

Wear comfortable training gear, bring water, and a towel. If you track training (e.g., Garmin, Strava), bring your recent data so we can correlate trends.

5. Can you help design a training plan from my results?

Yes. We offer ongoing performance coaching or a once-off program design service tailored to your test results and goals.

Contact Us

Ready to see what your body is truly capable of? Book your testing session today.

📞 Call (07) 5448 3532 🌐 www.exercisematters.healthcare

References:

• Bourdon PC et al. (2017). Monitoring athlete training loads. J Sports Sci.

• Bishop D et al. (2008). The science of training: monitoring and planning. Sports Med.

• Stone MH et al. (2007). Strength and conditioning: biological basis of performance. NSCA J.

• Suchomel TJ et al. (2016). The importance of muscular strength in athletic performance. Sports Med.

• Hewett TE et al. (2005). Biomechanical measures of neuromuscular control and injury risk. Am J Sports Med.