Factors Affecting Vo2 Max / Aerobic Power Flashcards
1
Q
What is Vo2 max
A
- 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.
2
Q
Physiological factors that increase Vo2 max
A
- 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
3
Q
Other factors affecting Vo2 max
A
- Lifestyle - smoking sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, fitness
- Body composition- higher % of body fat decreases Vo2
- Gender - men generally have approx 20 % higher Vo2 than women
- Differences in age - older = Vo2 declines (body systems less efficient)
- Genetics - inherited factors limit improvement
- Training - aerobic training improves Vo2