VO2 Max Testing – Is This Important For Non-Athletes?
V̇O₂ Max is a term that many have heard but may not be aware of it’s meaning or usage. The test reveals the maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise; that is, exercise of increasing intensity. It directly reflects the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during exercise. It’s a combination of how much oxygen rich blood your heart can pump together with the heart’s efficiency in extracting & utilizing oxygen. This sports science test has primarily been utilize by athletes to track optimization of their physiological & neurological performance through maximal aerobic function.
Recently non-athletes are beginning to test their Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) measured as VO2 Max, to predict Cognitive Function, Cognitive Capacity, Longevity Outcomes & Serious Disease States. Based on my knowledge & experience of human physiology my view is CRF testing, measured as VO2 Max, is a very smart health choice for all non-athletes. Non-athlete testing is increasing as mounting evidence from medical research findings is firmly establishing the link that low level CRF values are directly associated with a high risk of serious disease states e.g. Cancer, Type2 Diabetes, Obesity, Heart Disease, Cardiovascular Disease & All-Cause Mortality. CRF tests should be utilized the same as GP’s & MD’s currently check, test & monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, insulin levels etc. Increasingly clinical evidence is confirming that CRF is a potentially stronger predictor of mortality than many established risk factors e.g. Smoking, Hypertension, High Cholesterol. The simple addition of CRF to traditional risk factors significantly improves the reclassification of risk for adverse outcomes.
The primary reason the non-athlete population aren’t utilizing CRF testing is simply due to a lack of awareness. Education on its comprehensive health benefits has yet to become mainstream. Additionally, there has been a historical belief that VO2 Max differences between people is a result of genetic factors which is nonfactual.
When you look at the top image of testing taking place it likely invokes varied reactions, but the test is very simple & straight forward. A ramp test is utilized, where power & speed are increased every few minutes, while you wear a mask that collects exhaled air which determines maximal oxygen uptake. The protocol to accurately measure an elite athlete’s VO2 Max requires a physical effort sufficient in duration & intensity to completely tax the aerobic energy system. However, with non-athletes & people who go to the gym or train & play sport recreationally the experience is timid in comparison to elite athletes! VO2 Max is technically reached at the point when oxygen consumption remains at a steady state despite an increase in workload. CRF measured as VO2 Max is often misunderstood to be a test of the heart & lungs. This is easy to understand when you see this blogs image of a test scenario! However, V02 Max is determined by how your muscles function in relation to utilization of oxygen. It’s a very interesting field & my next Blog will set out the effects of CRF on Cognition & Aging!
Our Guest Blogger is based in Brisbane, Australia. Paul works as a Sports Performance Consultant with athletes in Australia & Internationally including athletes on their National Teams. He works with athletes at most levels due to his passion for enhancing people’s performance & holistic health. He is qualified & highly experienced in many fields relating to athletes reaching optimal performance. Some key areas are Strength & Conditioning, Advanced Nutrition Level 2, Sports Supplementation, Anatomy & Physiology, and Training Periodisation. If you are interested in working with Paul to enhance your sporting performance or holistic health & wellbeing send him an email as he is happy to assist you!
Email: pbelitecoach@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/pub/paulbarryhighperformancesports/
