Factors Affecting Vo2 Max / Aerobic Power

Question 1

What is Vo2 max

Answer 1

• maximum volume of o2 that can be taken up & used by the muscles per minute
• trained athlete has higher Vo2 - more o2 going to the muscles and can utilise more o2 to provide energy, enable a high rate of exercise.

Question 2

Physiological factors that increase Vo2 max

Answer 2

• increased cardiac output
• increased stroke volume
• increased RBC count, myoglobin + Hb
• increased stores of glycogen and triglycerides
• increased capillarization around the muscles
• increased number + size of mitochondria
• increase S.A of alveoli
• increased lactate tolerance

Question 3

Other factors affecting Vo2 max

Answer 3

1. Lifestyle - smoking sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, fitness
2. Body composition- higher % of body fat decreases Vo2
3. Gender - men generally have approx 20 % higher Vo2 than women
4. Differences in age - older = Vo2 declines (body systems less efficient)
5. Genetics - inherited factors limit improvement
6. Training - aerobic training improves Vo2