Services and Rates

Comprehensive Physiological and Metabolic Test

In our state of the art laboratory, we perform the most complete Physiological and Metabolic evaluation applying the latest methodologies. Following the test, we provide a complete consultation, explaining the results and offering training advice based on individual training zones. Our evaluation also includes insight on overtraining and fatigue, in addition to a full nutritional consultation, with body composition and advice on ideal weight.  

The complete physiological and metabolic test visit takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and includes:

• Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2max) 
• Lactate Profile and Lactate Metabolism
• Fuel Metabolism (Fat and Carbohydrates) Assessment During Exercise
• Training Advice Based on Individual Training 
• Body Composition 
• Nutritional Advice 
• Overtraining Evaluation 

Descriptions of the various components of the Comprehensive Physiological and Metabolic Test are listed below

Rates

• Comprehensive Physiological and Metabolic Test: $449 First Test.  Follow up Test: $200 (Total of $650 for 2 tests)
• Training and Sports Nutrition Advice Consultation: $100
• Overtraining and Fatigue Consultation and Advice: $100 plus $93 or $161 if addition of Comprehensive Blood Analysis is desired.
• Comprehensive blood analysis and interpretation including CBC (Hgb, Hct…), Comprehensive Chemistry/Metabolic Panel with muscle enzymes and TSH: $93*. With the addition of Testosterone and Cortisol: $161**

** Fee for the blood analysis. This is an additional fee to other services and only available as part of Comprehensive Metabolic and Physiological Test and Consultations. 

Maximal Oxygen Consumption

VO2max is the maximum oxygen uptake during exercise, measuring a person’s capacity to transport and utilize oxygen during exercise. It is considered as the best marker of cardiorespiratory fitness level and a very good estimation of aerobic performance potential. VO2max represents the central adaptations to exercise and how the heart, arteries, and veins work during exercise to deliver oxygen to the muscles. 

Lactate Profile and Lactate Metabolism

Blood lactate concentration measurement is a top indicator of endurance athletic performance. As exercise intensity increases, blood lactate production also increases.  The net blood lactate accumulation is the result of the lactate production and lactate removal. By measuring blood lactate concentration, we can indirectly measure muscle metabolism during exercise, estimate muscle fiber recruitment pattern, predict athletic performance, learn the nutritional status of the athlete, and prescribe specific individual trainings. 

We have worked extensively studying lactate metabolism in athletes of all sports and successfully applying new approaches and testing protocols based on scientific studies:

-San Millán I, González-Haro C. A new blood lactate concentration approach to assess the aerobic adaptation of UCI-23 elite road cyclists. Med Sci Sports Exerc 42: S391. 2010.

-San Millán, I.; Gonzalez-Haro, C.; Sagasti, M. Physiological Differences Between Road Cyclists of Different Categories. A New Approach. Med Sci Sports Exerc 41:S48. 2009

-San Millán, I.; González-Haro, C.; Irazusta, J.; Gil, J. Physiological Differences Over Time in Cyclists at a Fixed Workload of 75 % and 80 % of Peak Power Output. Med Sci Sports Exerc 40:384. 2008.

-San Millán, I.; Irazusta, J.; Gil, J.; Gil, S.; Gotshall, R.W.  Differences in Cycling Performance at the Same Blood Lactate Concentration: Elite vs. Recreational Cyclists. Med Sci Sports Exerc 36:112. 2004.

Fuel Metabolism Assessment During Exercise

It is possible to estimate fats and carbohydrates rate of utilization (grams/minute) at different intensities during exercise to accurately and individually determine exercise zones where an individual can burn the most amount of fat, and therefore be more successful in prescribing specific and individual training intensities to lose weight.

We can also study an individual’s metabolic behavior during exercise, determining the “crossover” point whether the body starts using more carbohydrates (sugars) than fat. With these methodologies, we can also observe the nutritional status of an athlete and detect suboptimal muscle glycogen content. 

We are one of the few laboratories in the world using this methodology and have vast experience in applying this research to elite athletes.

Scientific References:

-San Millan I, González-Haro C, Hill J. Indirect Assessment of Glycogen Status in Competitive Athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc.; 43: S660. 2011

-Hill J, González-Haro C, San Millán I. Gender Differences in Maximal Fat and Carbohydrate Oxidation Rates. Med Sci Sports Exerc; 43: S414. 2011

-San Millán, I.; Gotshall, R.W.;  González-Haro, C.; Gil,  J.;  Irazusta, J. Sensitivity of Crossover Concept to Discriminate Different Levels of Performance: A New Approach. Med Sci Sports Exerc 40:293. 2008.

-González-Haro, C.; San Millán, I. Application of the Crossover Concept to UCI Pro Tour Level Professional Cyclists: A New Approach. Med Sci Sports Exerc 40:396-397. 2008

Training Advice Based on Individual Training 

Once we have a complete metabolic and physiological profile, we can design an accurate and individual training program for any athlete of any level. Only through our complete physiological and metabolic test is it possible to establish these personalized training zones.  Over the past 15 years, we have worked with many world-class athletes, helping them achieve their goals through our scientific approach to training. We also work with experienced coaches for those who need assistance with daily trainings or workouts. We can also discuss your physiological parameters with your coach and work in unison for better results.

Nutritional Advice

Nutrition is vital for any successful training and fitness program. Wrong nutrition can be devastating for an athlete trying to pursue an ambitious goal or greatly jeopardize the chances of success.

When it comes to sports nutrition, the integration of exercise metabolism is key for the proper optimization of athletic or fitness goals.  We perform a very thorough examination of how much fat and glucose an athlete is using at different exercise intensities and how efficiently fat and glucose are used. With this valuable and unique information, we can then dial in an individual nutrition plan for before, during, and after the competition, training or fitness.

Overtraining Evaluation 

Every athlete has gone through periods of overtraining and fatigue, though this condition is usually not detected or diagnosed in time. There are a number of blood parameters, called biomarkers, which help us detect overtraining and fatigue ahead of time. These biomarkers can also tell us the cause of overtraining, and help the athlete get back on track as soon as possible. A novel or unknown methodology for most is an old friend for us; we have applied this methodology to elite athletes for the past 15 years.

Scientific References:

Ruiz, F.; San Millán, I.; Gil, J.; Irazusta, A.; Gil, S.; Irazusta, J. Variation of antioxidant capacity and creatine kinase activity during different periods of a cycling season. 6th Portuguese Congress on Free Radicals in Chemistry, Biology and Medicine. 2003

Ruiz, F.; San Millán, I.; Garai, A.; Celaya, P.; Irazusta, J.; Gil, J. Antioxidant capacity and the activity of creatine kinase in professional cyclists during a stage  race. 6th Portuguese Congress on Free Radicals in Chemistry, Biology and Medicine. 2003