Sport science research is at the heart of the SASSI at McGill University, with the aim of delivering world class research to advance sport performance. We work with coaches, athletes, and support staff to answer the key questions relevant to high performance sports.
Our academic staff work alongside student researchers, research assistants, and a variety collaborators to create a team for every project design and operation. For now, SASSI focuses on elite endurance sport research, in particular, triathlete sports: swimming, cycling, and running. Our main labs are being designed to hold exceptional research equipment to execute all research needs, including two state-of-the-art h/p/cosmos instrumented running and cycling treadmills and a swimming flume.
SASSI encompasses a variety of research disciplines within the Institute, allowing for a multidisciplinary approach to every research question and project protocol.
Research disciplines include:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise and respiratory physiology
- Neurostimulation and locomotion
- Nutrition
- Sports psychology and coaching
- Muscle physiology, biophysics, and genetics
Running Lab
In the SASSI building there will be two different running testing labs. The first lab will have an instrumented treadmill with built-in force plates, to collect data from athletes even when they are hitting top speed. In addition, to this there will be supporting equipment to provide additional data analysis for physiological, biomechanical and neurophysiological aspects of the athlete’s performance. In the second running lab, there will be a 30-m rubberized running track. While supporting the data capture of the first lab, this lab will be able to analyze a runner in motion over a stationary surface, identical to that used in elite track and field competition.
Swimming Lab
The core of the Swimming Testing lab will be a swim flume (swimming treadmill) to collect data in a stationary setting. Data collection for swimmers is often extremely difficult when athletes move through a pool or in open water. This lab will enable the ability to record physiological, biomechanical and neurophysiological data that has previously been almost impossible to perform in any other setting.
Cycling Lab
In the Cycling Testing lab there will be a large treadmill for bikes and wheelchairs including a safety harness for studies conducted at top speed. This will permit testing with there own bikes as well as testing of other sports such as cross country skiing. This lab will also have the capabilities to record physiological, biomechanical and neurophysiological data of athletes. In addition to this there will be stationary cycle ergometers which can be used to determine peak aerobic working capacity.
