Much of the science in endurance sports begins with intricate testing to benchmark athletes in an effort to help develop physiologic and biomechanical methods to tweak performance. Dr. Sue Beaudet, a professor at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, recently spent a sabbatical at the Vuokatti Sport Institute in Finland. Vuokatti was chosen because of its specialization in the study of cross-country skiing and biathlon at a world-class level. While in Finland, Dr. Beaudet had the opportunity to be involved with the physiologic testing of Finland’s most talented development skiers. Dr. Beaudet has brought her lessons back to the United States and will soon be implementing similar tests in Northern Maine.
Included in the new Gentile Hall Health and Physical Education Complex at the University of Maine at Presque Isle is a state of the art endurance human performance lab. This facility will create opportunity for the student and the athlete to be involved in every aspect of physical testing. The facility was created to benefit academic programs, the University Ski Team and the Maine Winter Sport Center. Currently, the new oversized treadmill and oxygen analyzers are being installed and the first testing will take place in a few weeks.
Roller skiing will be possible on this treadmill and its use will be intricate to the success of the regions students, future coaches, athletes and programs.
Krist.seymour@maine.edu
