Vo2 Max Lab Report

VO2 max measure the maximum volume of oxygen consumed by the body to convert energy from the food that we eat into ATP that can be used at the cellular level of the body. VO2 max is important because it measures the ability of the body to produce ATP which enables the muscle to work during exercise. In order to generate ATP during aerobic exercise, the body requires oxygen. The VO2 max is a good indicator of an individual’s of cardiorespiratory capacity and endurance exercise is a way to significantly increase this capacity. VO2 max is important to the health of an individual because it measures the ability of the cells to extract and used oxygen. This ability to extract and use the oxygen will determine the body’s ability to perform aerobic exercise.

The maximal test measures the volume of air that is expired by an individual. This expired air is then analyzed to determine the oxygen and carbon dioxide content is done using either a Douglas bags or the metabolic cart. Whereas the submaximal test is create to ensure the intensity does not exceed 85% of the individual’s maximal heart rate. The physiological rationale for the submaximal testing is that heart rate and work rate have a linear relationship. The submaximal test, provides an estimate of an individual’s VO2max not the actual VO2max. Another disadvantage of the submaximal testing is once the individual’s VO2max level is reached the test is terminated. However, the advantage of the submaximal testing is that the equipment is less expensive compared to those needed for the maximal testing. The submaximal testing has reduced risk compared to the maximal