VO2 Max Testing
One term that frequents the exercise world is that of VO2 max. While it may sound a bit airy-fairy, it is perhaps one of the most fundamental measures of human physical capacity. Continue reading below as we deconstruct what VO2 max means, how it’s measured and why it is so important for taking your athletic performance to the next level!
“By measuring the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide, we are able to find out the precise amount of oxygen your body and muscles are using ”
What on earth is VO2 max?
Let’s begin by deconstructing the term itself. The ‘VO2’ refers to ‘volume of oxygen,’ and the ‘max’ refers to ‘maximum’. In other words, VO2 max refers to the maximum volume of oxygen that your body is able to consume and use. In other words, it is simply a measure of fitness.
Whenever we exercise, our heart and lungs have to work harder to maintain the oxygen and nutrient supply to the muscles that are hard at work. The more oxygen we are able to consume, the more efficient we are at being able to do an activity - whether it’s running, cycling or swimming!
How is VO2 max measured?
VO2 max is measured in a laboratory using specialised breathing equipment and either a treadmill or bicycle. The specialised equipment not only measures your heart rate, but also how much oxygen and carbon dioxide you breathe in and out during exercise. By measuring the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide, we are able to determine the precise amount of oxygen your body and muscles are using . This gives us a value in the units of mL/kg/min, i.e. how many millilitres of oxygen is used per kilogram per minute. Measuring VO2 max is no easy feat- it is a tough test! In order to find out your VO2 max, you have to quite literally push yourself to the max!
Why is important to measure VO2 max?
The beauty of VO2 max testing is that it is the most direct measure of your aerobic capacity- that is, how efficiently your heart, lungs and the rest of the cardiovascular system are able to work. This means that while there are other ways of predicting VO2 max, such as a beep test, none of these methods are able to give such an exact measure of oxygen consumed and used, and in turn, a direct measure of your fitness level as well!
To illustrate why having a direct measure of aerobic capacity is so important, let’s examine the scenario of a weightlifter. A weightlifter wouldn’t judge their progress just by how the weight ‘feels’- they would look at how much weight is on the bar in kilograms for a more precise way of measurement. This allows for exact and methodical increments in weight lifted over time so that they can optimise their training plan and see greater improvements over time.
In the same way, an aerobic athlete should not just gauge their progress by how the activity ‘feels’, regardless of whether it is running, cycling or swimming. Instead, it is best to have a direct measure of fitness, namely VO2 max, which they can measure over time to assess their progress, optimise their training plan and see the greatest improvements in performance!
How can I test my VO2 max?
There are unfortunately a number of barriers that often prevent people from having their VO2 max assessed. The equipment is expensive, and it requires a specially-trained clinician to accurately and effectively run a VO2 max test.
However at Aevum Physiotherapy, we are fortunate enough to have our very own state of the art facility with all the specialised equipment and trained exercise physiologists to test yourVO2 max!
If you want to find out more about VO2 max testing or want to book one in, give us a call on 8544 3231 or email us at info@aevumhealth.com.au
Brandon Coorie
Accredited Exercise Physiologist