Purpose and value of the study 

The purpose of this study is to understand the between-session reliability of certain performance tests when repeated over time. These tests include a reaction time test (Psychomotor Vigilance Task), a fine motor skill test, an isometric strength test, and an aerobic capacity (VO₂ max) test. These tests are widely used in research and applied settings to assess training adaptations and monitor fatigue. 

 

By establishing the reliability of these assessments, this study will help practitioners and researchers interpret changes over time with greater confidence. 

 

You have been invited to take part in this project as you fulfil the following criteria: 

 

• You are aged between 20 - 50 years 

• You are physically active, performing at least 150 minutes of exercise per week 

 

What does the research involve?  

You will be required to visit the human performance laboratory at St Mary’s University, Twickenham on three separate days between 12 and 5 pm. You can schedule the tests at your convenience. Each lab visit will take around 1-1.5 hours.  

 

You can schedule a complimentary lactate profile test as a thank you for your participation in the study.  

 

🔬 Research Lab visits  

 

The following tests will be completed  

• Height, body mass, and body composition (fat %) 

• A short questionnaire  

• Reaction time  

• Manual dexterity (fine motor skill) 

• Strength (isometric mid-thigh pull)  

• VO2 max (running on a treadmill)  

 

🏠 At home  

 

You will be asked to complete an online wellness diary every morning – this should take around 2 minutes to complete.  

 

You will be asked to wear a small wristband throughout the study. The band measures movement and estimates when you are asleep and awake.  

What are the benefits in taking part? 

By taking part, you will gain access to advanced physiological testing, free of charge in a human performance lab.  

 

📈VO₂ max test: The gold standard for assessing aerobic fitness. 

 

🏃‍Lactate profile: Measures your endurance capacity and identifies key thresholds. 

 

 📊 Personalised Insights: You will receive your physiological data including your individual training zones, which you can use to refine your training. 

 

Are there any risks involved?  

You will feel fatigued after the VO2 max test. However, this fatigue should not be more than you are accustomed to from other high-intensity exercises. You will be supervised during the lab visits by an experienced sports scientist who will ensure your well-being and safety are maintained.  

 

Preparations required before taking part in the study 

This study requires participants to adhere to the instructions below before each lab visit. If you are unable to follow these instructions, please do not participate.  

 

Sleep Schedule 

Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time during the study  

 

24 Hours Before Testing 

❌ No strenuous exercise or physical activity  

❌ No nicotine or alcohol (do not consume any form of tobacco, vaping, or alcoholic beverages) 

 

3 Hours Before Testing 

❌ Do not eat a large meal within 3 hours of your lab visit (small snacks and water are fine) 

 

Who is organising the research? 

Paul Hough (Lecturer at The University of Westminster & PhD candidate at St Mary’s University) 

 

What will happen to your data? 

Your data will be anonymous. The data from the study will be stored electronically on a password-protected server. Only the research team can access the data. The findings may be published in a scientific journal and presented at an academic conference.  

 

Participation criteria  

It is your decision if you want to participate in this study. You are free to withdraw at any time, and you have the right to request that your data be withdrawn and deleted. If you decide to take part, you will be required to complete a physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q) and consent form.   

 

How will your participation in the project be kept confidential 

Your data will be stored and handled in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations brought in under the Data Protection Act 2018. All data will be anonymised and stored on the university’s secure servers. 

 

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If you have any questions, please contact p.hough@westminster.ac.uk

 

Download the participant information sheet here