Assessing Cardiorespiratory Fitness Flashcards
Maximum Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)
Functional capacity of cardiorespiratory (CR) system (Capacity of heart, lungs, blood vessels to deliver O2); Criterion (gold standard) of cardiorespiratory fitness
The aerobic system is also responsible for assisting in…
Offloading of anaerobic byproducts
3 Energy Systems
ATP-Pc, Glycolytic, Aerobic
An increase in VO2 max causes and increase in…
Aerobic state (better aerobic conditioning)
VO2max
Plateau of VO2 (Trainable to some extent)
VO2peak
Highest rate of O2 consumption regardless of VO2 plateau (Specific to a type of modality)
Cardiorespiratory Fitness is related to the ability to perform
Large muscle, dynamic, moderate-to-high intensity exercise for prolonged periods
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Performance depends on
Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Skeletal muscle Systems
(1) Cardiorespiratory Fitness is considered health-related fitness because: Low levels of CR fitness have been associated with a…
Markedly increased risk of premature death from all causes and specifically from CV disease
(2) Cardiorespiratory Fitness is considered health-related fitness because: Increases in CR fitness are associated with a…
Reduction in death from all causes
(3) Cardiorespiratory Fitness is considered health-related fitness because: High levels of CR fitness are associated with…
Higher levels of habitual physical activity (Which in turn are associated with many health benefits)
VO2max is accepted as the…
Criterion measure of CR fitness (Concept of Maximal O2 Uptake)
VO2max =
Q * a-vO2 difference (arterial -venous oxygen difference)
Significant variations in VO2max across populations and fitness levels result primarily from…
Differences in maximal Q in individuals w/out pulmonary disease
VO2max is closely related to the…
Functional capacity of the heart
Because of costs associated w/equipment, space, and personnel needed to carry out these tests…
Direct measurement of VO2max generally is reserved for Research or clinical settings
When direct measurement of VO2max is not feasible…
A variety of submaximal and maximal exercise tests can be used to estimate VO2max
It should be noted that there is the potential for what when using indirect measurement techniques?
A significant overestimation of directly measured VO2max by these types of indirect measurement techniques
Overestimation of VO2max is more likely to occur when:
1) Exercise protocol chosen is too aggressive for a given individual, (2) When treadmill testing is employed and the individual heavily relies on handrail support
Every effort to determine VO2max when choosing test protocol should therefore be taken to…
Choose the appropriate exercise protocol given an individual’s characteristics and minimize handrail use
Aerobic Power
Synonymous with Cardiovascular Endurance; Indicative of body’s ability to utilize oxygen for the performance of work
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)
Most often used indicator of aerobic power; Maximal amount of oxygen your body can utilize when exercising; The greater the VO2max, the more aerobically fit
The pathway by which oxygen is transported from atmospheric air to the active muscles
CO2 enriched, O2 depleted blood returns to the heart > Oxygen-poor air to the lungs > Exhale CO2 > Inhales oxygen-rich air > Oxygen-rich blood from lungs to body > Exercising muscle uses oxygen (O2 in, CO2, ATP out)
What Determines VO2max
Combination of “Central” and “Peripheral” Factors
Central Factors to determine VO2max
Delivery of oxygen rich blood to the active musculature; Cardiovascular system (Cardiac Output (Q) = HR * SV); Cardiac Output; Muscle capillary density
Cardiac Output
- blood volume, 2. venous return, 3. resistance to blood flow
Peripheral Factors to determine VO2max
Extraction of oxygen by the muscle or body tissues from the delivered blood; Active muscle (arteriovenous oxygen difference): Amount of lean mass, #/size of mitochondria, #/activity of oxidative enzymes, Muscle fiber type
3 body systems involved in VO2max
Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Muscular
Respiratory System
Oxygenation of blood
Cardiovascular System
Delivery of blood to tissues
Skeletal Muscle System
Extraction and utilization of oxygen
Influences on VO2max
Largely genetically determined; Training can improve it up to 25%, depending on initial fitness level; Males score ~ 15–30% higher than females (Males have larger lung capacity and leaner tissue)
Direct (Direct Fick Method)
Catheterization of artery and vein to determine a- vO2 difference and Q (thermal dye)
Indirect (Indirect Calorimetry)
Laboratory test, Analysis of volume of air inspired and constant analysis of expired gas, Very accurate
Absolute (Units of VO2)
L/min or ml/min; Does not take size into account
Relative (Units of VO2)
mlkg -1min or ml*kgFFM -1 *min; Amount of oxygen your body uses per kilogram of bodyweight; Can compare value across genders and body mass/size