VO2 Max

Question 1

What 3 factors best predict endurance capacity?

Answer 1

VO2 max
Fractional utilisation - LT/VT
Work efficiency - power per VO2

Question 2

Define VO2 max

Answer 2

The maximal amount of oxygen delivered to the working tissues and utilised in aerobic metabolism - the highest physiologically attainable value

Question 3

Define O2 peak

Answer 3

The highest value attained during exercise and represents an individuals exercise tolerance

Question 4

What different exercise protocols are there to measure VO2 max?

Answer 4

Supramaximal - above calculated VO2 max work rate
Ramp - continuous increase (BEST)
Incremental - steps increasing in work rate

Question 5

What is the criteria for achieving VO2 max?

Answer 5

Plateau in the oxygen uptake-exercise intensity relationship.

Otherwise:
Final RER > 1.15
Subjective fatigue and volitional exhaustion
Final HR within 10bpm of age predicted max
RPE of 19/20 on Borg scale
Post exercise BLa > 8mmol/L

Question 6

What are the determinants of VO2 max?

Answer 6

CO

a-vO2 Diff

Question 7

What does the Fick equation state?

Answer 7

VO2 is equal to the product of CO (delivery) and a-vO2 difference (utilisation).

Question 8

What increases O2 extraction at the muscles?

Answer 8

More effective blood flow distribution
Greater proportion of sub-max cardiac output to high oxidative muscles
Increased ability of muscle to extract and process O2