A3- V02 Max

• define V02 max?

  maximum volume of oxygen taken in and consumed in 1 minute

  -> ml/kg/min
• what is the relationship between vo2 max and obla?

  obla occurs at a % of vo2 max
• what can v02 max be used as a predictor of?

  aerobic endurance
• how to calculate a persons maximal oxygen uptake?


  • indirect method - multistage fitness test

  -> the level reached equates to a v02 max score

  • direct method - gas analysis in lab (indirect calorimetry)

  -> results taken during progressive maximal test
• what factors affect v02 max/aerobic power?

  • genetics
  • lifestyle factors (e.g smoking, poor diet)
  • body composition (higher body fat % reduces vo2 max)
  • training- physiological adaptations (cardiac hypertrophy)
  • age (decline with age)
  • gender ( men generally have 20% higher v02 max scores then women)
• what are physiological adaptations?

  • cardiac hypertrophy
  • ↑ surface area of alveoli
  • ↑ capillarisation
  • ↑ mitochondria
  • ↑ myoglobin
  • ↑ triglyceride stores
  • ↑ glycogen stores
  • ↑ haemoglobin
  • ↑ tolerance of lactic acid
  • ↑ buffering capacity
• impact of altitude training?

  • ↓ in air pressure
  • ↓ in gas exchange
  • ↓ oxygen transport
  • ↓ aerobic capacity , fatigue
• how does the body respond to altitude training?

  • release of EPO (erythropoietin)
  • stimulates red blood cell production
  • ↑ oxygen transport
• what are the advantages to altitude training (at sea level)? (3)

  • work for longer at high intensity
  • delay obla
  • ↑ v02 max
• what are the disadvantages to altitude training (at altitude)?

  • reduced training intensity
  • home/ altitude sickness
  • benefits lost quickly at sea level (2/3 weeks)