Fitness Testing
Fitness Testing > Resources > Testing Equipment > Timing Gates
Timing Gates
Timing gates are very valuable tools for the exercise physiologist for timing measurement during fitness testing. Timing gates are most widely used for sprint testing, though many systems can be used for other applications such as vertical jump and reaction time.
Uses
There are several types of timing gates made specifically to measure running speed in fitness testing. Compared to the alternative of using a stopwatch, the timing gate provides an accurate and reliable measure of speed.
Using infra-red signal and detectors, the gates record when the beam is broken. Using different configurations, the gates should be able to be used for single sprint, repeat sprints, running back and forth through same gate, and multiple people sprinting in different lanes. Some systems may also come with a timing switch mat to use for vertical jump testing.
Features
Storage and Download: It is important that the system has the ability to store the test results which can be downloaded later to a computer for processing.
Single or multiple beam: The timing gates may have a single beam that has to be broken to start or stop the timing. This has the advantage of being easy to set up and align the gates. However, anything passing between the gate can signal a break, such as a swinging arm during running. Gates with multiple beams can avoid this as all of the beams need to be broken at once to record a signal, which usually occurs as the torso passes through the gates. The multiple beam systems are more difficult to set up as all beams must be aligned for it to work.
Wiring: There are both wireless and wired systems. Wireless systems enable the gates to be placed anywhere within range, and are very versatile. Systems that require wires to connect between gates can cause problems, as you are limited by the length of the wires, and the wires may get in the way of you wish to set up a complex running grid.
Ease of setup: You may wish to avoid systems that take a long time to set up, or take more than one person to put together.
Reliability: You don't want a large group ready for testing and not be able to get the gate system working.
Environmental Conditions: Some timing systems may not work in extreme temperatures (rain, heat, cold), and windy conditions may tend to blow down poorly secured or balanced gates.
