General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How do you measure VO2 Max? Rss Feed  
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2006-05-01 11:08 PM

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Subject: How do you measure VO2 Max?
I was searching for info on how to measure the VO2 Max and I was surprised to find out that there were more than one method of measuring it. However, I am beginning to question which of these methods are reliable?

Just to name a few of these methods:
- Balke VO2Max Test
- Bruce Incremental Treadmill Protocol
- Cooper VO2Max Test
- Multistage Fitness Test / Beep Test
- Rockport Fitness Walking Test
- Treadmill VO2Max Test
- VO2 Max Step Test

Which one did you use to measure your VO2 Max?


2006-05-02 5:55 AM
in reply to: #411918

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Subject: RE: How do you measure VO2 Max?
I did the treadmill in a lab setting. I assume that is the one you are referring to.
2006-05-02 6:38 AM
in reply to: #411918

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Subject: RE: How do you measure VO2 Max?
I have done the Bruce incremental treadmill protocol as well as a custom one designed by some people in the exercise science department here on my university campus and I they gave the same results, they also said that the Bruce protocol was their personal favorite method to use.
2006-05-02 6:55 AM
in reply to: #411918

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Subject: RE: How do you measure VO2 Max?
Most of the training articles/coaches I pay attention to use lactate threshold or max heart rate to guide training, not VO2Max.......

http://www.masterskier.com/articles/0203raceseason/vo2maxwhocares.h...

http://www.masterskier.com/articles/0102preseason/truthVO2max.html

2006-05-02 7:38 AM
in reply to: #411987

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Subject: RE: How do you measure VO2 Max?
Not sure why the hotlink on the first article I mentioned above doesn't work. The html at the end got cut off somehow. I tried copying and pasting again into this response but it still cuts off the html ending. You can type the address into your browser's address box and then add the html at the end.

Edited by Birkierunner 2006-05-02 7:42 AM
2006-05-02 8:04 AM
in reply to: #411918

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Subject: RE: How do you measure VO2 Max?
Why do you want a VO2 max test done??  If you are looking for a training aid, lactate thershold testing is better.  You can then come up with training zones.


2006-05-02 8:25 AM
in reply to: #411987

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Subject: RE: How do you measure VO2 Max?

VO2 max measures the size of your engine...your potential.  What is important is your HR at VO2max and your LT.  MaxHR isn't really a good guide for training.  Remember that LT is something that is specific to you and can't be compared to anyone else.  Having a higher LT than someone else doesn't mean much about how you compare to them athletically.  VO2max is your "bragging number" if you're into that kind of thing but even that doesn't necessarily dictate the better (faster) athlete.  Economy plays a huge role in who crosses the finish line first.  A big potential (VO2max) is great but if your are mechanically inefficient then you could very well be wasting a lot of that potential.

Birkierunner - 2006-05-02 7:55 AM Most of the training articles/coaches I pay attention to use lactate threshold or max heart rate to guide training, not VO2Max....... http://www.masterskier.com/articles/0203raceseason/vo2maxwhocares.h... http://www.masterskier.com/articles/0102preseason/truthVO2max.html

2006-05-02 8:24 PM
in reply to: #411987

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Subject: RE: How do you measure VO2 Max?
Birkierunner - 2006-05-02 8:55 PM

Most of the training articles/coaches I pay attention to use lactate threshold or max heart rate to guide training, not VO2Max.......

http://www.masterskier.com/articles/0203raceseason/vo2maxwhocares.h...

http://www.masterskier.com/articles/0102preseason/truthVO2max.html



Thank you for the links. The two articles were very good. I was told that a person VO2 Max decreases as he gets older. Thus that raise a question that was left unanswered. If an older person started to train late in life, would the VO2Max increases again? I see VO2Max as a measurement of fitness. Thus, I thought I could use it to measure my fitness level over a period of time.
2006-05-02 9:36 PM
in reply to: #412946

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Subject: RE: How do you measure VO2 Max?

While it's generally true that your VO2max will decrease with age it isn't necessarily because of a loss in fitness.  Think of your VO2max as a measure of your potential.  It isn't a good indicator of your actual fitness level although it can be affected to some degree by training.  The more telling parameter to track as a measure of your current fitness is how your LT relates to your VO2max...or how much of that potential (VO2max) you can actually make use of.  Untrained individuals usually reach the LT at a HR about 60% of VO2max.  With training, LT can increase from 60% to above 70% or even higher.  Elite endurance athletes and top masters athletes typically have LTs at or above 80% of VO2max.  Values approaching 90% have been reported.  The lactate threshold is both responsive to training and influenced by genetics.

http://home.hia.no/~stephens/vo2max.htm

http://home.hia.no/~stephens/lacthres.htm 

 

crab68 - 2006-05-02 9:24 PM Thank you for the links. The two articles were very good. I was told that a person VO2 Max decreases as he gets older. Thus that raise a question that was left unanswered. If an older person started to train late in life, would the VO2Max increases again? I see VO2Max as a measurement of fitness. Thus, I thought I could use it to measure my fitness level over a period of time.

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