A.2.3.2 VO2 max

VO2 Max: The maximum rate at which an individual can take in and use oxygen. A key factor is endurance. The primary determining factor for VO₂ max is the capacity of the cardiovascular system to deliver oxygen

There are two types:

• Absolute: reported in litres per minute (L/min)

• Relative: normalised according to body mass in ml per kg per minute (ml/kg/min)

  • For weight-bearing activities, it is better to use the relative VO2 max value as this attempts to account for individual differences in size and mass

Comparison of VO₂ max values

VO₂ max and Biological Differences

Males vs Females

• Typically lower absolute and relative VO₂max values in females due to smaller body size.

• There are specific factors that contribute to these differences

  • Cardiac output: females tend to have a smaller heart and, therefore a lower capacity to pump blood

  • Blood volume: typically lower in females

  • Haemoglobin concentration: males typically have a higher concentration

  • Lung capacity: females typically have  a lower lung volume

• Another factor is endurance = running economy

• During endurance running à females have greater non-sagittal hip and knee-joint motion due to anatomical differences such as wider pelvis and shorter lower limb length relative to total height

Age

• Children have lower absolute vO2 max values than adults

• During childhood and adolescence à absolute VO₂max increases due to growth and maturation

Training and VO₂ max

• Training can increase VO2 max

  • The body becomes more effecient at transporting oxygen in the body

  • Central adaptations - changes in the heart rate or CV system

  • Peripheral adaptations - changes in the skeletal muscles

• A VO2 max exceeding 60ml/kg/min is an indication of a trained athlete

  • Demonstrate full cardiov-respiratory potential

  • Untrained yield fatigued muscles and are only able to reach sub-maximal levels