Birmingham City's players will report for pre-season duty at the Elite Performance and Innovation Centre (EPIC) this coming week, and former Blues fitness coach Dave Carolan has provided a detailed insight into the brutal tasks that await them.
Baseline testing and medical screening
According to Carolan, the first couple of days are dedicated to baselining and benchmarking all players through fitness testing. This includes concussion testing using the SCAT (Sport Competition Anxiety Test), which takes about 30 minutes per player on a computer, followed by a series of questions from the doctor to determine cognition levels. Cardiac testing is also performed routinely every one to two years to ensure heart health.
Physios then conduct their own screening, building a comprehensive picture of each athlete's strengths and weaknesses. Carolan emphasised that these initial tests provide reference values crucial for making informed decisions under pressure during the season.
Blood tests and physiological assessments
Before outdoor running tests, fitness and medical staff take blood samples to assess fitness levels accurately. Carolan explained that running tests like the bleep test can be manipulated by players, whereas blood tests cannot be cheated. Lactate tests on treadmills, often conducted at Coventry University, determine heart-rate specific intensity and reveal whether a player is fatigued or could have worked harder.
Outdoor fitness tests include a 3,000-metre distance run, speed testing, agility testing, and repeated sprint tests (phosphate decrement test). These assess motivation, application, and attitude beyond physiological predictions.
Gym-based strength and power testing
Back in the gym, players undergo tests for muscle strength, balance, and function, including lifting, squeezing, and pushing exercises. These build a 360-degree picture of aerobic and anaerobic function, speed, endurance, muscle power, and jumping ability.
Load management and injury prevention
Carolan highlighted the critical relationship between physio staff and manager Chris Davies. Sports science monitors session duration closely, as extra activities like shooting practice can increase injury risk. He recalled a past incident where players Manny Longelo and Juninho Bacuna practised shooting after a session, causing concern for fitness chief Sean Rush due to accumulated fatigue.
“We’re trying to load manage across multiple weeks,” Carolan said. “Additional high-velocity ball strikes on top of a top intensity session could tip us over the edge where players pick up injuries.”
The testing phase aims to push boundaries safely, reducing injury risks while making gains during pre-season.
