Hear from the Endurance Lab team about how these services can enhance your training and help you achieve your fitness goals.

Kaiser Permanente Endurance Lab

Welcome to our Sports Medicine Center and Endurance Lab located in Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings. Here, our comprehensive sports medicine care is complemented by our specialized Endurance Lab, where we use advanced physiological testing and biomechanical assessments to help athletes reach their fitness goals. Whether you are training for your next triathlon, aspire to be a professional athlete, or are a recreational fitness enthusiast, our program will help produce winning results with state-of-the-art equipment and science-based programs available to members and non-members.¹

Our Staff

Our Endurance Lab is led by Dr. Jason Brayley and Susan Joy, Co-directors of the Kaiser Permanente Sports Medicine Center, and Julie Young, an elite athlete.

Jason Brayley, MD

Medical Director, Sports Medicine and Athletic Performance, Chief of Sports Medicine, Greater Sacramento, Co-Director Sports Medicine Center

Jason Brayley, MD, earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University and completed his fellowship in sports medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He has served as a team physician for multiple high school and collegiate teams, including seven years as a team physician in professional cycling. He is board certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. Dr. Brayley is a team physician for the Sacramento Kings.

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Susan Joy, MD

Co-Director, Kaiser Permanente Sports Medicine Center

Susan Joy, MD, attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine after she graduated from Amherst College. She received her specialty training in primary care sports medicine at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Joy is board certified in Family Medicine and holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine. She has served as a team physician at the high school, collegiate Division I and III, and professional level.

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Julie Young, MS

Sports Science Specialist

Julie Young is a former US National team and world tour pro cyclist. Through her extensive race career at the elite international level, Julie Young brings firsthand knowledge of science-based, individualized training programs combined with nutrition, mental conditioning and race tactics to produce winning results.

Julie is considered one of America’s most dominant European stage racers of her era as a 12-year US and World Tour Pro Cyclist, a US National A-Team Cyclist, and 6-time UCI Road World Championship Team Cyclist. Currently, she is focused on cyclocross and mountain bike events. Her recent accomplishments have been on her single speed mountain bike: placing first overall in the pro/amateur division of the Tahoe Trails race, 1st overall amateur Carson Epic, and winning the women’s division and placing 6th overall in the Pro category at the Leadville 100.

Her expertise gained while working with the sport’s most prominent physiologists and coaches provides a solid background in a variety of training methodologies. Julie has a Master of Science degree in Sports Science and Human Performance. She is also a certified Specialized Body Geometry Bike Fit Technician, and a certified Medicine of Cycling Bike Fitter. She studied and mentored at Exos Training Center, formerly Athletes’ Performance, and completed a six-month fellowship in Advanced Functional Biomechanics of the Lower Quarter with Dr. Chris Powers at the USC-affiliated Movement Performance Institute.

Julie is a graduate of UCLA, where she earned status as a NCAA Academic All-American.

As one client shared “I’m achieving things that I’ve never done before. Julie helps me see my potential.”

The Endurance Lab is an integral part of my training as a professional cyclist. The comprehensive testing and assessments are key to understanding body dynamics and efficiency, and how I need to train to reach the highest levels in my sport.

Caroline Nolan

Endurance Lab client

Large modern reception area with blond wood floors and large lit up artwork of an athlete jumping with the word Thrive behind the desk

Rehabilitation open space and equipment room has images of athletes and TVs hanging from the ceiling; exercise machines, weights, mats and balls along the walls; and artificial turf running through the center

State-of-the-art digital radiography room

Rehabilitation space with 74-foot long sprint lane running through the center of the room and Kaiser Permanente branded exercise machines in the foreground

Golden 1 Center

Our flagship facility at Golden 1 Center includes a 7,000-square-foot gym, on-site imaging, nine physical therapy rooms, sport-specific rehabilitation with simulated environments, and our Endurance Lab.

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Our Services

We offer a selection of competitively priced services as a part of our broad fitness assessments.

Performance Metabolic Efficiency Assessment

Metabolic efficiency measures how well your body utilizes its fat stores as an energy source during exercise. Burning fat as fuel can be significantly improved by phasing nutrition with training. As an endurance athlete, ingesting as many calories as you are expending is impossible. The key is to improve your ability to effectively tap fat stores for fuel, and push utilization of this energy source out at increasing intensities. This can benefit every endurance athlete from road cyclists and trail runners to triathletes.

This test will inform you of:

Caloric expenditure at various heart rates, and pace or watts
Peak fat burning zone based on heart rate, and pace or watts
Lactate levels for your various metabolic zones
Methods to increase fat utilization and preserve carbohydrate stores, decreasing the amount of fuel replenishment required
Phasing nutrition with training to maximize fitness results

Lifestyle Metabolic Assessment

Are you looking to drop a few pounds, or understand the “why” behind frustrating plateaus in fitness? The Lifestyle Metabolic Assessment is an abbreviated protocol of our Performance Metabolic Efficiency Assessment and is ideal for people who want to maximize their body’s fat burning potential.

With this test, we can help you pinpoint your peak fat burning zone, based on heart rate, and pace or watts. This understanding coupled with phasing training with nutrition will help you more efficiently reach your weight loss and fitness goals.

This test will inform you of:

Caloric expenditure at various heart rates, and pace or watts
Peak fat burning zone based on heart rate, and pace or watts
Methods to increase fat utilization, so you can burn more fat
Phasing nutrition with training to maximize your results

Resting Metabolic Rate Assessment

The Resting Metabolic Rate Assessment provides science-based, individualized daily caloric targets to help you lose weight or maintain weight. It is the most accurate way to measure how many calories you burn at rest, and the ratio of carbohydrates to fats your body is utilizing at rest.

At the end of this test, you’ll precisely know:

Your own scientifically derived individualized, baseline daily caloric requirements
How your body utilizes fats and carbohydrates for fuel at rest

Vo2Max Testing

Vo2Max Testing is conducted cycling on your own bike on a Wahoo KickR or running on the treadmill. Using our CareFusion VMax metabolic cart, this test identifies ventilatory threshold and is the best indicator of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance.

Specifically, this test will provide you with:

A measure of your cardiorespiratory fitness and aerobic performance potential. Understand your heart’s ability, at maximum efforts, to pump oxygen-rich blood, and your working muscles’ ability to efficiently extract and utilize the oxygen
An estimate of your body’s utilization of fats and carbohydrates over a spectrum of increasing intensity

Lactate Testing

Lactate threshold is an important predictor of performance in endurance events, and the gold standard to develop accurate training zones. Lactate is a by-product of metabolic activity during exercise. Its production increases with exercise intensity. With proper training, you can effectively improve your lactate threshold (the body’s ability to more effectively buffer and metabolize lactate) as well as your lactate threshold as a percentage of your VO2 Max.

This testing provides you with critical information to improve training and maximize training time investment:

Heart rate at lactate threshold – to scientifically determine training zones based on heart rate
Pace or watts at lactate threshold – to scientifically determine training zones based on pace or watts
Assessment of fitness, to specifically identify areas of fitness that we can improve with training
Insights into muscle fiber make-up, “Are you a fast-twitch or slow-twitch type of athlete?”

Motion Capture Gait Analysis

Our Gait Analysis can benefit walkers, hikers, and runners. Following an interview, strength and flexibility assessment, and a video session capturing side and posterior views on the treadmill, SIMI Motion Capture software is used to identify key moments in your gait cycle and analyze hip and knee angles, torso angle, pelvic stability, and foot position. Our gait analysis system can help uncover specific strength imbalances and movement impairments that may cause pain, have the potential to lead to injury, or inhibit performance. Once identified, we can provide strategies to address these underlying issues, while changing as little as possible with your gait.

The analysis includes:

A detailed report with key images and a written summary
SIMI Motion Capture video analysis of key gait phases
Science-derived activation, stability-mobility, and strengthening exercises to help address your specific gait imbalances
Advice on proper body and joint position to optimize power and efficiency while helping to reduce ground forces

Motion Capture Bike Fit

During our 2D and 3D bike fits, we take time to understand your personal goals, fitness, current training and history. We also spend time understanding how you present off the bike to properly fit the bike to your specific ranges of motion and flexibility. We use these individual “specs” to guide the manipulation of the bike, resulting in a position that optimizes comfort, power output, and performance. Finally, understanding that improving fit is much more than simply manipulating the bike, we provide suggestions and specific off-bike exercise strategies to improve the on-bike experience.

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Fundamentals	2D SIMI Motion Fit	3D SIMI Motion Fit
Explanation of efficient pedaling biomechanics and technique	X	X
In-depth 20-point physical and flexibility assessment	X	X
Tailored fit to personal range of motion and flexibility, biomechanical strengths and relative deficits	X	X
Balancing comfort with the optimal power output/aerodynamic position	X	X
Advanced cleat, saddle and handlebar positioning	X	X
Instruction on proper use of arch supports and stance width adjustments	X	X
Positioning to accommodate for specific medical issues (e.g. back pain, arthritis, joint replacement, etc.)	X	X
SIMI Motion Capture video analysis utilized to capture side view positioning with identification of key pedal stroke positions to ensure accurate joint angle calculations. Frontal view analyzed using motion capture and lasers to reference knee tracking to determine biomechanical efficiency	X	X
Guidance on how to improve flexibility, strength and neuromuscular activation to optimize muscle recruitment, biomechanics, position, and power output	X	X
Report (with video) of lower body side position key pedal stroke positions (pre and post fit) as well as pre and post measurements	X	X
Report (with video) of upper and lower body sagittal and posterior views of key pedal stroke positions (pre and post fit from the sagittal and posterior view) as well as pre and post measurements provided		X
Identification of potential underlying issues contributing and/or leading to back and knee pain/over-use injury		X

Preparation for Your Services

A completed Intake Form and medical clearance by Sports Medicine and Cardiology physicians are required prior to services being rendered.

Additionally, please note these test specific requirements.

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Performance and Lifestyle Metabolic Assessments	Don’t eat or exercise 4-5 hours prior to your test Don’t drink coffee 4-5 hours prior to your test Don’t smoke or drink alcohol 4-5 hours prior to your test Don’t participate in vigorous/high intensity weight training 24 hours prior to your test Do come rested and relaxed
Resting Metabolic Rate Assessment	Don’t eat or exercise 12 hours prior to your test Don’t drink coffee 12 hours prior to your test Don’t smoke or drink alcohol 12 hours prior to your test Don’t participate in vigorous/high-intensity weight training 24 hours prior to your test Do come rested and relaxed
Vo2Max Testing	Be well rested Avoid vigorous exercise and activity up to 24 hours prior to testing
Lactate Testing	Be well rested Avoid vigorous exercise and activity up to 24 hours prior to testing
Gait Analysis	Bring running shoes and wear compression clothing
Bike Fits	Bring bike, cycling shoes and wear cycling clothing

Performance Metabolic Efficiency Assessment

This test will inform you of:

Caloric expenditure at various heart rates, and pace or watts
Peak fat burning zone based on heart rate, and pace or watts
Lactate levels for your various metabolic zones
Methods to increase fat utilization and preserve carbohydrate stores, decreasing the amount of fuel replenishment required
Phasing nutrition with training to maximize fitness results

Lifestyle Metabolic Assessment

This test will inform you of:

Caloric expenditure at various heart rates, and pace or watts
Peak fat burning zone based on heart rate, and pace or watts
Methods to increase fat utilization, so you can burn more fat
Phasing nutrition with training to maximize your results

Resting Metabolic Rate Assessment

At the end of this test, you’ll precisely know:

Your own scientifically derived individualized, baseline daily caloric requirements
How your body utilizes fats and carbohydrates for fuel at rest

Vo2Max Testing

Specifically, this test will provide you with:

A measure of your cardiorespiratory fitness and aerobic performance potential. Understand your heart’s ability, at maximum efforts, to pump oxygen-rich blood, and your working muscles’ ability to efficiently extract and utilize the oxygen
An estimate of your body’s utilization of fats and carbohydrates over a spectrum of increasing intensity

Lactate Testing

This testing provides you with critical information to improve training and maximize training time investment:

Heart rate at lactate threshold – to scientifically determine training zones based on heart rate
Pace or watts at lactate threshold – to scientifically determine training zones based on pace or watts
Assessment of fitness, to specifically identify areas of fitness that we can improve with training
Insights into muscle fiber make-up, “Are you a fast-twitch or slow-twitch type of athlete?”

Motion Capture Gait Analysis

The analysis includes:

A detailed report with key images and a written summary
SIMI Motion Capture video analysis of key gait phases
Science-derived activation, stability-mobility, and strengthening exercises to help address your specific gait imbalances
Advice on proper body and joint position to optimize power and efficiency while helping to reduce ground forces

Motion Capture Bike Fit

Swipe to learn more

Fundamentals	2D SIMI Motion Fit	3D SIMI Motion Fit
Explanation of efficient pedaling biomechanics and technique	X	X
In-depth 20-point physical and flexibility assessment	X	X
Tailored fit to personal range of motion and flexibility, biomechanical strengths and relative deficits	X	X
Balancing comfort with the optimal power output/aerodynamic position	X	X
Advanced cleat, saddle and handlebar positioning	X	X
Instruction on proper use of arch supports and stance width adjustments	X	X
Positioning to accommodate for specific medical issues (e.g. back pain, arthritis, joint replacement, etc.)	X	X
SIMI Motion Capture video analysis utilized to capture side view positioning with identification of key pedal stroke positions to ensure accurate joint angle calculations. Frontal view analyzed using motion capture and lasers to reference knee tracking to determine biomechanical efficiency	X	X
Guidance on how to improve flexibility, strength and neuromuscular activation to optimize muscle recruitment, biomechanics, position, and power output	X	X
Report (with video) of lower body side position key pedal stroke positions (pre and post fit) as well as pre and post measurements	X	X
Report (with video) of upper and lower body sagittal and posterior views of key pedal stroke positions (pre and post fit from the sagittal and posterior view) as well as pre and post measurements provided		X
Identification of potential underlying issues contributing and/or leading to back and knee pain/over-use injury		X

Preparation for Your Services

A completed Intake Form and medical clearance by Sports Medicine and Cardiology physicians are required prior to services being rendered.

Additionally, please note these test specific requirements.

Swipe to learn more

Performance and Lifestyle Metabolic Assessments	Don’t eat or exercise 4-5 hours prior to your test Don’t drink coffee 4-5 hours prior to your test Don’t smoke or drink alcohol 4-5 hours prior to your test Don’t participate in vigorous/high intensity weight training 24 hours prior to your test Do come rested and relaxed
Resting Metabolic Rate Assessment	Don’t eat or exercise 12 hours prior to your test Don’t drink coffee 12 hours prior to your test Don’t smoke or drink alcohol 12 hours prior to your test Don’t participate in vigorous/high-intensity weight training 24 hours prior to your test Do come rested and relaxed
Vo2Max Testing	Be well rested Avoid vigorous exercise and activity up to 24 hours prior to testing
Lactate Testing	Be well rested Avoid vigorous exercise and activity up to 24 hours prior to testing
Gait Analysis	Bring running shoes and wear compression clothing
Bike Fits	Bring bike, cycling shoes and wear cycling clothing

Our Pricing

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Service	Price
Performance Metabolic Efficiency Assessment	$ 250.00
Lifestyle Metabolic Assessment	$ 200.00
Resting Metabolic Rate Assessment	$ 150.00
Vo2 Max Testing	$ 150.00
Lactate Testing	$ 150.00
Motion Capture Gait Analysis	$ 275.00
2D Motion Capture Bike Fit – Road / Mountain Bikes	$ 250.00
2D Motion Capture Bike Fit – Time-Trial Bikes	$ 300.00
3D Motion Capture Bike Fit – Road / Mountain Bikes	$ 350.00
3D Motion Capture Bike Fit – Time-Trial Bikes	$ 400.00
Prices are subject to change. Please call (916) 326-8217** or email SMC-Endurance-Lab@kp.org.

Contact us to schedule an appointment

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1 Services and products described here are provided on a fee-for-service basis. These services and products are not provided or covered by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. (Health Plan), and you are financially responsible to pay for them. Clinical services are provided by providers or contractors of The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. Results of services may vary among patients and cannot be guaranteed. Health Plan and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals may receive compensation for providing facilities and/or other support in connection with these services. These services are not meant to replace any covered services under your health plan benefits. If you are a Kaiser Permanente member, please check your Evidence of Coverage for specific covered health plan benefit information.

Kaiser Permanente Endurance Lab

Our Staff

Golden 1 Center

Our Services

Performance Metabolic Efficiency Assessment

Lifestyle Metabolic Assessment

Resting Metabolic Rate Assessment

Vo2Max Testing

Lactate Testing

Motion Capture Gait Analysis

Motion Capture Bike Fit

Preparation for Your Services

Performance Metabolic Efficiency Assessment

Lifestyle Metabolic Assessment

Resting Metabolic Rate Assessment

Vo2Max Testing

Lactate Testing

Motion Capture Gait Analysis

Motion Capture Bike Fit

Preparation for Your Services

Our Pricing

Contact us to schedule an appointment

Discover the Kaiser Permanente Difference

Stay up to date with Kaiser Permanente

Learn More

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