Human Performance Unit

Derby's leading sports performance centre

The Human Performance Unit (HPU) is a dedicated space focused on providing sport science and coach development services to coaches, individuals and teams wanting to enhance their performance. It also offers opportunities for our current students to get involved with projects and individual sessions.

A black, white, grey and orange image of a man running

Our Postgraduate Sport Courses

Reach the top of your game on our pioneering sports courses. Whether you want to undertake ground-breaking research or become a sports and exercise practitioner, we have something for you.

State-of-the-art facilities and equipment

High-specification facilities: Our £10.8 million Sports Centre houses a bespoke performance suite complete with a physiology laboratory, conditioning area, eight dedicated lifting zones and a 30m lane indoor sprint track and jump pit
Cutting-edge technology: Using the best equipment, including Kistler Force Plates, Opto Jump and Vicon Motion Analysis Cameras, our team of experts can deliver detailed insight enabling you to get the most out of your sport
Biological principles: In-depth scientific knowledge coupled with bespoke physiology tests will help you prevent performance-related injuries
Working with professionals: From biomechanics to psychology to coaching, our team of professionals combine their experience working with athletes and coaches, as well as their understanding of the biological and psychological principles behind sport performance to provide you with the expertise you need to achieve your outcomes and improve your coaching craft
Diverse services: The range of services provided by the HPU include, targeting improved physical training, recovery from exercise, exercise nutrition, sport psychology, injury prevention, rehabilitation specific to your sport and coach support and development
Student opportunities: Our current students are offered the chance to gain hands-on experience and work with a range of athletes, to help them gain new skills and knowledge which can be applied after graduating

The Human Performance Unit team has worked with Jake Lowe. The main focus was to analyse Jake's running performance in preparation for the London Marathon. As part of our Running Package, his blood lactate and heart rate were tested in the below video.

In preparation for his upcoming marathon, Jake Lowe, Running with Jake, takes part in a blood lactate and heart rate test, part of the Human Performance Unit's Running Package.