Exercise physiology associate professor Dr Michael Kingsley said students enrolled in the Bachelor of Exercise Science and Master of Exercise Physiology courses were already benefiting from the lab’s state-of-the-art equipment, as were Bendigo athletes.
“Students are using this new facility to develop and practise their skills in exercise testing and prescription,” he said.
“It is also being used in conjunction with our sporting partners and the broader community for research projects aimed at enhancing rehabilitation outcomes and improving sporting performance.”
Bendigo Pioneers and the Bendigo Academy of Sport athletes were already working with students in the lab weekly on strengthening and conditioning programs.
Bendigo Pioneers coach Rick Coburn said he hoped the collaboration would produce benefits on the football field.
“The opportunity to access a high-performance gym of this quality will greatly assist our quest to develop our players’ strength and conditioning to a level where they can transition into the highest level of football required,” he said.
Dr Kingsley said the benefits would also reach beyond Bendigo.
“The lab features satellite technology allowing us to connect with students and athletes on other La Trobe campuses around Victoria,” he said.
Dr Kingsley said with an ageing population and rising levels of obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases, exercise physiologists were increasingly sought after, and employment opportunities for students were many and varied.
“Students will use this lab to learn how to design and deliver client-centred exercise, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs to restore function and improve health outcomes for individuals within the community,” he said.
Media Contact: Lauren Mitchell - 5444 7922
Photo: Pioneers coach Rick Coburn, player Riley Burns and La Trobe excercise physiology student Sian Ilott in the new lab.
