ENDURANCE ASSESSMENT (VO2 MAX)

 
Test Summary
 
VO2 Max testing measures how effectively the body consumes oxygen during exercise. It is a measure of an athlete’s maximum ability to pull oxygen from the air, transport it into the blood, and deliver it to active muscles. VO2 Max is dependant on several factors, including lung capacity and function, cardiac output, oxygen delivery, and the oxidative capacity of muscle cells. Theoretically, since the greater the volume of oxygen consumed by the body the greater the body’s ability to do aerobic work, VO2 Max values can be used as a benchmark for individual’s level of fitness.
 
During exercise, in order to produce energy most efficiently, muscle cells require oxygen. When workloads increase and muscles’ demands for oxygen exceed the body’s ability to deliver, energy must be produced through different means, via anaerobic metabolism. Anaerobic metabolism is a highly inefficient process that also produces byproducts associated with fatigue and muscle soreness. During a VO2 Max test subjects exercise to their maximum capacity, and measurements are taken to determine the maximum amount of oxygen one’s body is able to deliver and to identify what demand forces the body to convert to anaerobic energy production. One of the best ways to increase performance in endurance athletes is to extend the time, and workload, that the body can remain in aerobic metabolism. VO2 Max testing gives athletes the information necessary to understand their body’s boundaries and to push those boundaries through future training.
 
Test Protocol
 
Testing can be administered using either a treadmill or a bike according to the subject’s preference. To begin the exam, subjects will be fitted with a respiratory mask, covering their mouth and nose, and will be connected to a cardiac monitoring device, either a Heart Rate Monitor or a 12 Lead EKG. Prior to testing, vital statistics will be measured as a baseline, including Heart Rate, Resting Respiration, and Blood Pressure. During the test subjects are encouraged to exercise to their maximum heart rate, calculated by subtracting their age from 220.
 
The workload will be increased until maximum heart rate is achieved and the test will conclude with a three minute recovery period at a light workload. All data is recorded continuously throughout the test period, and the test can be stopped by the subject at any time for whatever reason.
 
Key Data Points
 
• VO2 Max – This is a relative measure of the rate at which your body delivers oxygen to active muscles
during exercise, measured in milliliters per minute per kilogram body weight (ml/min/kg). VO2 Max is
dependant on age, level of fitness, genetics, type of athlete (endurance vs. strength), etc and it is a
measure of endurance performance.
 
• Anaerobic Threshold (AT) – This is defined as a point during exercise where muscles’ oxygen
demands exceed the body’s ability to deliver and Anaerobic, rather than Aerobic, metabolism becomes
the body’s primary means of energy production. Several data points are collected here, including time,
workload, and VO2.
 
Max Heart Rate – Maximum Heart Rate (beats/min) is dependant on several factors including
anatomical constraints, fitness, and age. Maximum Heart Rate can be useful in determining exercise
prescriptions.
 
• % Max Heart Rate – Maximum Heart Rate is determined by subtracting one’s age from 220. % Max
Heart Rate therefore identifies what percent of your predicted heart rate you achieved during maximum
exercise. This value can be used as a fitness benchmark.
 
• Heart Rate Recovery – Heart Rate Recovery measures how quickly your heart rate returns to within a
resting range after an exercise period. It is a measurement of fitness and is useful in defining the
amount of stress placed upon the heart during exercise
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 
How long will the test take? A complete VO2 Max test takes approximately 1 hour including set-up and cool down; however the exercise phase will never exceed 10-12 minutes.
 
What do I need to bring? It is important that subjects where athletic apparel, including shoes, appropriate for the type of test they will be performing (bike or treadmill). Subjects will be given time prior to their test to stretch and warm-up.
 
What are the risks? There are risks associated with any maximum exercise test, including sudden death;
however these risks can be lowered substantially with proper precautions. Subjects’ vital signs will be closely monitored throughout the test and it is important that test subjects communicate any symptoms to staff, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, etc.
 

What will the results show? VO2 Max data can be used as a measure of individual fitness and it can be useful as a benchmark for setting future goals and formulating training.