Elevate your athletic performance to the next level with state-of-the art testing, athlete monitoring and individualized training with the Pioneer Performance Center.
It is the mission of the Pioneer Performance Center (PPC) to provide the highest tier of health and sports performance, injury prevention and wellness-oriented services to both the Sacred Heart University and local communities. We employ state-of-the-art practices and equipment to deliver the highest quality of service. Additionally, these services provide rich educational opportunities for our undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Exercise Science.
The Pioneer Performance Center services clientele from all walks of life. We provide testing to identify deficiencies and weaknesses, long-term athlete monitoring services and take-home or in-house performance training plans to individual athletes and teams from recreational to elite levels. Our testing and training programs for general population clients provide the tools to live a healthy, active lifestyle. We also work in partnership with the SHU physical therapy faculty to provide services for clients with the goal of restoring functional capacities.
The PPC partners with several SHU athletic teams to provide valuable feedback to the coaches and the strength and conditioning staff. We have performed functional assessments, speed and agility testing, strength and power testing and a variety of other physiological and performance related tests to help meet the needs of our athletes and their coaches.
Our biomechanical assessments include a variety of movement screens, sport-specific motion analyses and gait analyses. These assessments to help athletes and clients improve performance, recover from injury and prevent future injury.
Performance testing focuses on lab-based and field-based testing protocols including body composition, lactate threshold testing, VO2 max testing, strength and power testing, speed and agility testing and athlete monitoring.
Based on the results of our testing protocols, the Pioneer Performance Center tailors a custom program to the individual to improve performance and lead a healthy lifestyle. We also offer sport-specific, small group training focused on running and golf performance.
Custom solutions allow the Center to customize both the testing and exercise prescription to meet the needs of our clients, athletes and coaches.
The Pioneer Performance Center offers experiential learning opportunities with a focus on best practices in exercise science.
Through Sacred Heart’s senior-level Clinical Rotations (EX 366) capstone course, students spend the semester immersed in all aspects of operation of a sport science center including athlete testing, program planning, marketing and facility management.
The Pioneer Performance Center welcomes interns studying in the movement or rehabilitation sciences, allowing for a more focused experience. During a PPC internship, students gain hands-on experience with performance testing, athlete monitoring, exercise prescription and training services and facility management.
Full classes have the opportunity to come in to experience a specific aspect of the PPC’s services, including athlete testing, biomechanical analysis and gait assessment, as well as exercise prescription. This allows the class to have a specific, case study experience integrated into their coursework.
The Pioneer Performance Center features state-of-the-art equipment for both testing and training, including a 10-camera motion capture system, wireless inertial measurement units, electromyography and embedded tri-axial force plates to analyze movement and provide biomechanical feedback. Additionally, the Performance Center utilizes:
Based on assessment findings, athletes train in the PPC strength and conditioning lab equipped with squat racks, Olympic lifting platforms embedded with force plates, a Keiser Functional Trainer and an array of strength training equipment.
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