The Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition is looking to make some changes to the Human Performance Lab here on campus. The Performance Lab’s services have been free for students, faculty or staff in the past. However, the department is considering no longer providing their services free of charge.

The Human Performance Lab is a little known amenity offered at ACU. Within the lab, a person can undergo a series of tests that check their weight, body composition, height and blood pressure within a matter of minutes. The tests a person can choose to take are at the discretion of each person, based on their physical wants and needs.

Students new to campus are for the first time completely in charge of their health. The tests offered by the lab will help students better understand their body, and what it may take to keep them healthy.

“The tests will tell them what their current fitness level is,” says Dr. Libby McCurley. “It gives you really good base line material, and a student can continue to come back in to track their progress as well.”

Many people on campus have taken advantage of this opportunity. Since its opening, full classrooms and professors have undergone some of the tests within the lab. The lab has accepted walk-ins as well.

However, providing these services for free has taken a toll on the department. The problem is that while each test may call for equipment the school already has, the materials needed can not be reused. The re-supply of simple materials begins to add up, and the department has been forced to use money from their budget to cover these additional costs.

“The fee schedule will be minimal,” states Dr. Matthew Gerver. “The tests offered would still be about 60 to 70 percent cheaper than they would be at a physicians office.” The test offered will still be affordable to all students, even those on a budget. However, by implementing small fees, the department hopes to add credibility to the lab.

The tests in the performance lab will continue to provide valuable information to the students or faculty that take advantage of them. Though the staff will not supply a diagnosis based on the results of a test, they will still provide the client with valuable information about their body. The results will also show the client if further medical action is needed.

At this time, testing in the Human Performance Lab is still offered free of charge. Students or faculty members interested in setting up an appointment should contact Dr. Gerver or Dr. McCarthy by email.