United States Air Force Academy

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Performance Science Center

Capt. Dustin Benker runs on a treadmill at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Performance Science Center.

The Performance Science Center applies sports science principles to improve Academy athletic teams and individual cadet performance. Coaches, cadet athletes and cadets receive specific physiological information by way of testing, research, training and education.

The Performance Science Center also provides subject matter expertise on the Air Force fitness program and human performance, offering scientific data through research and exercise physiology principles. Through the use of various physiological tests, to include Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans for body composition, Resting Metabolic Rate, VO2max, Anaerobic Endurance, Anaerobic Power and Anaerobic Threshold, the Performance Science Center can aid athlete and cadets to improve their performance, nutritional habits and overall fitness levels. The Performance Science Center tests and trains more than 2,000 cadets and approximately 200 faculty, staff and active duty members annually while also hosting and conducting informational and educational tours for more than 150 high schools, college universities, elite athletes, professional sport teams and military personnel from all over the world.

CORE COMPETENCIES
  • Physiological tests to aid athletes and cadets to improve their performance,nutritional habits, and overall fitness level, including: Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans for body composition, Resting Metabolic Rate, VO2max, Anaerobic Endurance, Anaerobic Power and Anaerobic Threshold
  • Testing and training of more than 1,800 cadets and approximately 100 faculty and staff members annually
  • Altitude Training Tent to simulate sea level to 16,000+ feet, used for interval or maximal effort training events to further adapt the skeletal muscle and improve athletic performance
MAJOR PROJECTS
  • Conducing a multi-year study with Fighter Squadrons around the United States to investigate the negative physiological effects of long-duration passive and active heat stress on cognitive function and hydration status in aviator population.
  • 1.5-mile Altitude Dose research study to determine if a significant difference in aerobic performance exists between five different altitudes and if it does, to what extent and if possible, determine a regression equation for each altitude to aid the Air Force in determining an appropriate correction factor at bases around the world
  • Falcon Fuel continues to provide nutritious options to help fuel cadets before, during and after physical activity
CONTACT US

Dr. Nick Dinan, Assistant Director
(719) 333-9225
nicholas.dinan@afacademy.af.edu