Aerobic capacity and VO2 max

Question 1

Define ‘aerobic capacity’

Answer 1

The ability of the body to inspire, transport and utilise oxygen to perform sustained periods of aerobic activity relying on the efficiency of the cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular system

Question 2

Define ‘VO2 max’

Answer 2

The maximum volume of oxygen inspired, transported and utilised per minute of exhaustive exercise

Question 3

What four factors affect aerobic capacity and VO2 max?

Answer 3

• Physiological make up
• Training
• Age
• Gender

Question 4

VO2 max and AC (1) with age
After the age of 20 it decreases by (2) a year
(3) can slow this decline

Answer 4

1 - decline
2 - 1%
3 - training

Question 5

Max HR, CO, SV and blood circulation to muscle tissues decrease due to (1)
Therefore reducing oxygen to (2)
(3) volumes decrease (4) with maturation due to a decrease in (5) lung tissues and (6) therefore reducing (7)

Answer 5

1 - decreased left ventricular elasticity
2 - muscles
3 - respiratory lung
4 - linearly
5 - elasticity of
6 - thoracic cavity walls 
7 - inspiration

Question 6

How much lower is female VO2 max compared to males?

Answer 6

15-30%

Question 7

Why do females have a lower VO2 max than males?

Answer 7

• greater mass of body fat
• lower lung volumes
• lower haemoglobin levels

Question 8

Why is specificity of training important?

Answer 8

Can improve VO2 max by 10-20%

Question 9

How long do you have to train to reach maximal aerobic conditioning?

Answer 9

8-19 months due to long term adaptations

Question 10

What are four desirable qualities of genetics will optimise performance?

Answer 10

• strong respiratory muscles
• large lung capacity
• large and strong left ventricle
• capilliarisation for gaseous exchange

Question 11

Strong respiratory muscles and large lung (1) can increase (2). A strong (3) ventricle will increase (4). Increased haemoglobin content will transport more oxygen and capilliarisation increases (5) for gaseous exchange

Answer 11

1 - capacity 
2 - inspiration 
3 - left
4 - SV and Q
5 - surface area

Question 12

Efficiency of oxygen transportation will decrease with age due to a loss of elasticity of blood (1) and lung (2)

Answer 12

1 - vessels

2 - tissue walls

Question 13

Aerobic training will increase VO2 max by how much?

Answer 13

10-20%

Question 14

What long term adaptations are resultant of specific aerobic training?

Answer 14

• strength of respiratory muscles

- concentration of haemoglobin