Running Head: VO2 MAX 1

Lab 4: VO2 Max

SPSC 3275-001 Group B

Presented to: Ryan Cook
Due: Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Douglas College
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Introduction:
VO2 max is a measure of oxygen used by an individual during exercise (Bott, 2017).
Understanding this measure allows us to understand an individual's aerobic capacity and
identify their aerobic fitness level. We can then use this information to prescribe exercise
specific to their sport or use it as a measure to track progress and improve an individual’s
fitness level.

Method:

The test subject will undergo an Astrand Protocol on a cycle ergometer

Task 1:
VO2max during Biking Participant pre-testing weight: ​67 kg
Participant’s estimated (age-predicted) HR max? 196 bpm
What was the criteria for termination of the test? When there is voluntary failure or drops
below 60 RPM
What was the participant’s absolute VO2 max (L/min) 1.5 L/min
What was the participant’s relative VO2 max (nl/kg/min) 24 nl/kg/min

Results:
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Figure 1.
The average aerobic test scores show an incremental increase as the load on the wingate test
increased.

Figure 2.
Minute ventilation had an increase throughout the progression and a drop at the termination
of the VO2max test.

Discussion Questions

1. Positives and negatives of sub-max vs maximal aerobic testing​​.

The positive aspects of sub-max aerobic testing is its convenience in setting up the test. It can
be done in different controlled settings, such as a gym, indoor field, or treadmill. Another
positive aspect of a submaximal aerobic test is it is low cost and safer to do (George et al.,
1993). Submaximal test are ideal for individual who are not used to performing at a maximal
intensity and will be more bearable and reduce risk of injury (George et al., 1993). However
choice in pace could affect accuracy of results (George et al., 1993). The negative effects of a
sub-max aerobic testing is that when a protocol is done outside of the age range, accuracy is
lost for a true VO2 score, because the reliability of the correlation is not significant and
therefore, invalid (R. Cook, personal communication, March 28, 2017). For example, if a 1.5
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mile run was done outside of the age range, accuracy is lost in the true VO2 score because the
age group is not validated. However, the consistent use of the test can be used as a measure
for fitness score. This is done through initial testing which is used as a baseline followed by
another test with the same protocol can be used to measure progression by comparing test
results (R. Cook, personal communication, March 28, 2017). One other pro for a submaximal
test is the related mechanics of a protocol that is similar to the mechanics of a sport. For
example, the change in direction amongst soccer players and basketball players will have
large implications on energy expenditure and will translate heavily into a 20 meter shuttle
run. This will result in a more accurate assessment of their fitness level due to the familiar
mechanics of the task and their sport (R. Cook, personal communication, March 28, 2017).

In maximal aerobic tests, VO2 has many variables that can be measured and used to identify
other factors that influence fitness level, such as lactate levels, or minute ventilation (Bassett
& Howley, 2000). These measurements can be used to identify thresholds and can indicate
VO2 scores or other elements that relate to fitness like aerobic fitness, minute ventilation and
anaerobic fitness, lactate levels. On the other hand these variables create more room for error
so an accurate VO2 score could be invalid due to the conditions required to get an accurate
measurement, such as CO2 levels within a confined area that may skew data collection (R.
Cook, personal communication, March 28, 2017). Another negative aspect is the cost to run a
test because a metabolic cart is expensive and may have issues with calibration (Bott, 2017).

2. The 1-Mile Jog Test protocol and calculations , what type of athlete or sport it is used
for and why it might correlate to performance in that type of athlete.

The 1-Mile Jog Test:

This test aimed to test college-aged subjects (George et al., 1993). The subject must
complete a 1 mile jog (preferably around a track. They run at a pace that is comfortable for
them. Males should take at least 8 min and females should take at least 9 min (George et al.,
1993). Heart rate will need to be recorded at the end within 15-20 seconds of completion. If
using a heart rate monitor take the heart rate after 5 seconds and right away for 15 seconds if
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using palpation (George et al., 1993). The duration of the run will also need to be recorded in
minutes and seconds. To find VO2 Max the formula below is used (George et al., 1993).

​VO2max (ml. kg-1.min-1​​ = 100.5 + (8.344 * gender) – (0.0744 * weight) - (1.438 * mile
time) - (0.1928 * heart rate)

Gender = 1 for male; 0 for female

Weight = pounds
Time = minutes and fraction of minutes (14:30 = 14.5 minutes)
Average pace: Males = 9.3 ​± 1.1 min, females = 11.5 ± 1.3
Adequate scores = 35.6-59.4 ml x kg^-1 x min^ -1 (George et al., 1993).
This test could be used for college age athletes (18-29 year olds) both male and
female where cardio is important. This test has advantages being less costly, less timely and
requires submaximal rather that maximal exercise (George et al., 1993). Proposing a safer
and more enjoyable protocol for those with a more sedentary lifestyle (George et al., 1993).
Therefore this test is optimal for less elite athletes who would like to find out their VO2max.
Issues may arise in having the subjects determine their own pace but exertion is measured
through heart rate and having a minimal time is set in place to ensure submaximal efforts.
Since this is a jogging test it would best correlate performance for sports that require
running. Cross country, soccer, and rugby are all examples of sports this test would be best
used for. Aerobic capacity in these sports can be beneficial to performance in combination
with skill.

3. Many high level sport teams use VO2 testing on their athletes/players. Explain why
this testing is often done by these teams. Also, explain limitations of VO2 max testing
when it comes to evaluating someone’s potential or performance in a sport.

VO2 max tells us the maximal amount of oxygen someone can intake, transport and
utilize (Bott, 2017). Oxygen is required and needs to be utilized to produce energy for muscle
contractions to occur (Anderson, 2016). The test is conducted because it relates to aerobic
physical fitness of an individual. A high VO2max correlates with strong middle and long
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distance running (Bassett & Howley, 2000). Someone with a higher VO2max will be able to
perform at a high level at intensity for a longer duration of time. Test result can be recorded
and used to see progress in endurance through training. For elite athletes however, they may
have already reached their peak VO2max but their endurance could be improving by other
means such as becoming more efficient producing greater force for a given amount of
oxygen. However, VO2max is specific to the activity. It is often tested on a treadmill or on a
bike, VO2max is based on the specific muscles used in the exercise (peripheral limitation)
which is why it is specific to the activity and does not relate to all sport performance (Bassett
& Howley, 2000). Aerobic fitness is important in sports such as soccer or rugby but is only
one part of the puzzle. Fatiguing slower is advantageous however, skill level and technique is
not determined in this test which highly influences performance. Lactate threshold is a
limitation to VO2 max (Noakes, 2000). Using the lactate threshold, which incorporates more
variables to measure aerobic fitness and using those results to prescribe exercise is more
accurate.

Conclusion:

In our studies, we can identify that there are limitation to a VO2max test and that
there are other ways to identify fitness level through other means. Calculations can be made
to get a theoretical VO2 max score but the most accurate way is to run a true VO2max test
with a metabolic cart, included that it meets all requirements of running a standard test,
calibrating the machine properly and ensuring all conditions are within standards. With these
scores we can better understand an athlete and their performance and with that information
we can better prescribe exercise specific to their mode of sport or activity.
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References

Anderson, K. (2016). Exercise Physiology Lecture notes. Douglas College, New

Westminster.
Bott, C. (2017). Advanced Exercise Physiology lab notes. Douglas College, New
Westminster.
George, J. D., Vehrs, P. R., Allsen, P. E., Fellingham, G. W., & Fisher, A. G. (1993).
VO2max estimation from a submaximal 1-mile track jog for fit college-age
individuals. ​Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise,​ ​25(​ 3), 401-406.
doi:10.1249/00005768-199303000-00017
Bassett, D. R., Howley, E. T. (2000). Limiting factors for maximum oxygen uptake and
determinants of endurance performance. ​Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise,
70-84. doi:10.1097/00005768-200001000-00012
Noakes, T. D. (2000). Physiological models to understand exercise fatigue and the
adaptations that predict or enhance athletic performance. ​Scandinavian
Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports,​ ​10(​ 3), 123-145. Doi:10.1034
/j.1600-0838.2000.010003123.x