Welcome to the Sports and Physical Activity Research ?Centre/Institute?

We provide world-class physiological testing, performance analysis, and training services to individuals from all backgrounds including elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and clinical populations. 

Supporting you to achieve your health and fitness goals, provide the insights to deliver optimal change and performance gains...

  • Gold-standard testing facilities
  • Industry experts
  • Actionable insights
Contact us for further information
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Our Services

Discover more about our services and book today. If you are looking for a bespoke package with a range of services you can contacts us to discuss your needs.

 

OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE 

At the core of our service is a commitment to scientific integrity, precision, and athlete-centred care. Every test is conducted with meticulous attention to accuracy and individual needs, ensuring that all our assessments provide valid, reliable, and actionable insights.

 

Scotland's only CASES-accredited lab

We are the only sport and exercise science laboratory in Scotland accredited by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES). The accreditation reflects our commitment to gold-standard practices in testing accuracy, reliability, and client care. 

 

Expert team

Our team of highly experienced academics and technicians specialise in Sport and Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, Biomechanics, Psychology, and Sport Coaching. 

VO2 Max & Lactate Threshold Testing Package

Optimise your training with this combined testing package measuring submaximal and maximal physiology to assess endurance capacity and establish precise training zones.  

 

Book a V02 Max & Lactate Threshold package

Working with you, to achieve your goals

Whether you are training for a marathon, high-altitude expedition, or returning from injury, our tailored assessments provide the data you need to perform at your best. 

We have extensive experience working with a wide range of clients, including: 

  • Professional and elite athletes – including Olympians and Paralympians
  • Recreational and competitive sportspeople – helping individuals optimise training and performance
  • Clinical populations – supporting health, rehabilitation, and functional fitness improvements
  • Military and emergency services personnel – conducting occupational fitness assessments in extreme environments
  • Academic researchers – collaborating on cutting-edge sport science and health-related research

Testimonials

  • Threshold and VO2max testing
  • High performance testing
  • Physiological testing - high performance
  • Biathlon - training and high performance testing
  • Psychosocial programme / partnership for football
  • Psychology and wellbeing
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Findlay Wild

Former British fell running champion and 12-time Ben Nevis Race winner

I really valued doing threshold and VO2max testing at UWS. It felt like a professional process,  and it was useful to gain further insight into my performance and training via the data I went away with. The team were great to work with. Overall, it was an interesting and useful  experience.

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Scott Meenagh

Paralympian / Nordic Skier / World Championships Silver Medallist

The services provided by the team at the UWS are world-class.  I have benefited greatly from the process of working together to develop the most impactful ways of testing and applying the information produced through testing.  The team are incredibly supportive of my journey and has tailored their services around my needs.  They were critical in my preparations for the Beijing 2022 Paralympics, when a last-minute change of plans could have damaged my chances of success, they responded rapidly by making themselves available to support me in achieving my goals at the Games.  The team are very personable.  They enable us to execute our plan by supporting us and providing the relevant information to best achieve it. And most importantly, they are great fun to be around! 

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Iain Innes

GB Ski mountaineering athlete

I have been to UWS on two separate occasions now for physiological testing with Mia and her team. Everything is explained clearly on arrival before you get on to the hard stuff. They were very supportive throughout, and it felt like their approach really got the best out of me. I used the test results to fine-tune my training zones, allowing me to train more efficiently. The results from the second test back this up. 

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Kieran Jones

GB Snowsport Para Biathlon 

The Para Biathlon experience working with UWS has been top-notch. Mia, Jack, and the entire lab have been outstanding. Over our two-Paralympic cycle collaboration, they have been creative in adapting and implementing testing protocols, curious and open to ideas, and generous with their time and knowledge. The feedback they have provided has allowed us to better analyse, adjust, and implement training plans; they have been a key part of our journey to Para Biathlon World Cup, World Championship, and Paralympic success.

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Allan McManus

Academy Director of St Mirren FC

I have been delighted with our collaborations with UWS. From an academy perspective the close relationship has allowed us to build a psychosocial programme within our environment that sits us at the forefront of young player development. Ongoing research via MSc and PHD students over the next 3-4 years will help shape our environment. This would not be possible without the support of the University and in particularly Mark Carroll who has been a real driving force behind our project. We look forward to seeing the outcomes over the next few years as we continue to grow our relationship and deliver new joint projects. 

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International sports scholar

I knew Hayley from my time as a student at the University of the West of Scotland and where Hayley offered her support as a sport psychology practitioner to me on the scholarship programme. During this time, we worked together, where we would arrange regular confidential sessions. These sessions allowed me to open up about how being an athlete, student and young man and how this affected my life while dealing with the barriers I faced. Hayley and I engaged in discussions and came up with some psychological strategies to deal with some of these barriers. I am very grateful for Hayley’s support during this time. 

Get in touch

If you are interested in further information or looking to build a bespoke package of services please get in touch with our team today and we will be happy to discuss options.

Contact our team