VO2 is the rate of oxygen uptake, or consumption, measured during exercise. The maximum rate of oxygen uptake is called the VO2max or maximum VO2. VO2max is the ultimate measure of fitness and is reported in millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute or ml/Kg/min. To achieve a high VO2max, a person must have a fit heart and lungs and significant lean muscle mass that is well conditioned.

During the test, the actual amount of oxygen that your body takes in and actually uses, in the blood/oxygen exchange is measured. Basically, the more oxygen that your blood transports to your muscle cells, the better you can perform.

Ones Vo2 max is genetically (and normally proportionally) determined. However, a specifically planned Vo2 max training program of 8 weeks in duration, based on correct and specific data could produce, if properly executed, up to a 35% increase in Vo 2 max. This is an ideal goal for each athlete to work towards and benchmark his or her progress and results

The test commences, after a protocol warm up, with the intensity of resistance increasing in set increments of power (watts) every minute, during which, the cyclist also has to keep up a certain speed/cadence. As the intensity increases the Korr Cardio Coach Plus calculates the oxygen consumption by collecting and analysing the athlete’s air inhaled/exhaled. Each increment of power increase the power exerted by the athlete to overcome the given resistance. More muscle mass is used and as a result, more oxygen needed. The Vo2 will increase linearly with exercise intensity until the point is reached where the body is at its limit of ability to consume oxygen. It is at this point that the oxygen consumption will level off as the athlete reaches his/her Vo2 peak.

Lactate Threshold

A VO2 test will also show the Lactate Threshold (L.T). Briefly, the L.T is the level of exercise intensity beyond which the body can no longer provide adequate oxygen to the muscles, and at which point the blood lactate is no longer buffered sufficiently. Knowing the unique L.T is valuable information, as you can start to train at L.T point to improve your L.T level. With correct and dedicated training, your body will develop a higher threshold for the Lactate build up. The test will provide the data that is vital to training smarter and efficiently.

Vo2 Max Testing

Power Output

During the Vo2 Max test, the ergometer of the Computrainer Racermate will increase the output in watts of power. Usually the increments increase by 20 to 25 watts of power each minute. The wattage power resistance starting at 50 watts, very fit, powerful individuals achieve power outputs of up to 430 to 470 watts, although it has been known to achieve higher by exceptional elite athletes…

Calorie output

In addition, a Korr Cardio Coach plus Vo2 max test will also measure precisely how many calories are burned at different exertion levels during the test. This is the most precise way to discover how many calories each athlete burns at each heart rate level. Vital information to have in order to pre-plan your nutrition intake during training and racing!

Factors affecting Vo2 max:

Age: as an athlete gets older, the Vo2 max will decline. However, this does depend on factors such as specific training by athletes over 40, for example, that continue specific Vo2 max training.
Gender : Due to body composition, blood haemoglobin’s, heart size, females tend to have a lower Vo2 max than males.
Altitude
Fatigue/ continued lack of sleep
State of health
Stress level
Large meals/alcohol consumed in the preceding 24 to 36 hours to the test
Drugs and certain medicaments
Insufficient recovery from intense workouts in the preceding 72 hours

What do you go away with?

When you carry out a Vo2 max test with Vortex Performance Sports, you are undergoing a precise and accurate standardized testing protocol. It is the same as used by Sports science laboratories, National Sporting Olympic Institutes and University hospitals clinics. The Korr Cardio Coach plus unit is precise modern technology, calibrated to the highest medical standards and used by the American College of Sports Medecine.

At the conclusion of the testing, you’ll have a full printed report of your results, absolute values of your Vo2 max, as well as your exact heart rate zones established from your L.T. Coach J-R will also give you a full explanation of your test.

The results are precise and exact, at half the price you pay at any National Sporting Institute.

(There is a necessary protocol to be followed in the day before and prior to this test. The duration of this test, including a detailed briefing on the results is appx. one hour.)

Written by J-R Campion, Vortex Performance Sports©