VO2Based Fitness Testing-Equipment

VO2 is the rate of oxygen uptake, or consumption, measured during exercise. The maximum rate of oxygen uptake is called the VO2max or maximum VO2. VO2max is the ultimate measure of fitness and is reported in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute or ml/Kg/min. To achieve a high VO2max, a person must have a fit heart and lungs and significant lean muscle mass that is well conditioned. The table below shows how fitness is assessed based on VO2max.

Peak VO2 Scores (Values in mlO2/kg/min)

MALE

Age	Very Poor	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent	Superior
13-19	0-34.9	35.0-38.3	38.4-45.1	45.2-50.9	51.0-55.9	56.0+
20-29	0-32.9	33.0-36.4	36.5-42.4	42.5-46.4	46.5-52.4	52.5+
30-39	0-31.4	31.5-35.4	35.5-40.9	41.0-44.9	45.0-49.4	49.5+
40-49	0-30.2	30.2-33.5	33.6-38.9	39.0-43.7	43.8-48.0	48.1+
50-59	0-26.0	26.1-30.9	31.0-35.7	35.8-40.9	41.0-45.3	45.4+
60+	0-20.4	20.5-26.0	26.1-32.2	32.3-36.4	36.5-44.2	44.3+

FEMALE

Age	Very Poor	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent	Superior
13-19	0-24.9	25.0-30.9	31.0-34.9	35.0-38.9	39.0-41.9	42.0+
20-29	0-23.5	23.6-28.9	29.0-32.9	33.0-36.9	37.0-41.0	41.1+
30-39	0-22.7	22.8-26.9	27.0-31.4	31.5-35.6	35.7-40.0	40.1+
40-49	0-20.9	21.0-24.4	24.5-28.9	29.0-32.8	32.9-36.9	37.0+
50-59	0-20.1	20.2-22.7	22.8-26.9	27.0-31.4	31.5-35.7	35.8+
60+	0-17.4	17.5-20.1	20.2-24.4	24.5-30.2	30.3-31.4	31.5+

VO2 max tables - Data from Cooper,K. The Aerobics Way. New York, Bantam Books,Inc. 1982.

Since true VO2max measurements require exercising to the maximum level of exertion, they should only be done under medical supervision, or by persons who have been cleared to exercise extreme exertion by their physician. Peak VO2, or the maximum level of oxygen uptake achieved during a sub-maximal test can also be used to predict the VO2 max had the test been allowed to progress to the predicted maximum heart rate.

A VO2 test will also show the anaerobic threshold. The anaerobic threshold is the level of exercise intensity beyond which the body can no longer provide adequate oxygen to the muscles. Exercise below the anaerobic threshold should be comfortable even though the exercise extends for long periods. Exercise above the anaerobic threshold will improve cardiovascular fitness, but will also cause discomfort, fatigue, and muscle soreness.

Knowing the unique anaerobic threshold can be used to design a workout plan that will improve fitness and maximize calories burned. Measurement of VO2max or PeakVO2 will provide a true assessment of fitness level. The CardioCoach test will provide all of this data that is vital to proper fitness training. In addition, a CardioCoach test will also measure how many calories are burned during a workout at every exercise heart rate level. This information, along with a heart rate monitor, or a heart rate equipped bike or treadmill, can be used to calculate the precise amount of calories burned during a workout.

How will the Aerobic Capacity (VO₂) test benefit you?

Fitness Assessment (peak VO2)

VO2 max is considered by exercise physiologists to be the ultimate indicator of cardiovascular fitness. V02 max is the maximum amount of oxygen consumed by your body during exercise. The CardioCoach uses VO2 max along with your age to indicate fitness level. A personalized exercise regimen based on true VO2 max is essential to optimum cardio training.

Determines your anaerobic threshold (AT)

The body can supply adequate oxygen to the muscles up to a certain exercise intensity level or threshold. This threshold is called the anaerobic threshold (AT). Exercising below the anaerobic threshold should be possible for long periods of time without experiencing muscle fatigue or soreness during or following the workout. Working out above the anaerobic threshold will improve cardiovascular fitness, but it will also lead to fatigue and discomfort during and following the workout.

Calories per heart beat table

The CardioCoach report includes a table indicating how many calories you burn at every exercise heart rate level. With this information, there is no longer a need to rely on generalized estimates of calories burned provided by a bike or treadmill.