VO2max testing

VO2max is the maximum rate at which the heart, lungs and muscles can effectively take in and use oxygen as part of metabolic processes during exercise. VO2 is measured in litres of oxygen consumed per minute (L/min) or litres of oxygen per minute per kilogram of body weight (mL/min/kg). It is calculated by measuring the exchange of gas entering and leaving the lungs, basically, the amount of oxygen going in to the body minus the amount coming out. A VO2max test begins at a light intensity exercise on, for example, a treadmill or bike, and gets slightly harder each minute until maximum exertion is reached. This test can be used to determine aerobic fitness, lactic threshold [where more anaerobic energy release begins to accelerate] and is an indicator of an athlete’s endurance potential. This is because the higher the value of VO2max then the more oxygen is being used to help release energy from the chemical bonds in food we eat. This energy is used to power movement of the muscles among other things.