HOW TO BOOST YOUR ATHLETIC POWER
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What is the Maximal Oxygen Consumption Test or VO2 Max?
VO2 Max is a common medical term used in sports medicine to describe a body’s performance. It refers to the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can utilise during intense or maximal exercise. It measures the athlete’s maximum ability to pull oxygen from the air, transport it into the blood, and deliver it to the muscles of the body.
In theory, those with a high value of VO2 Max are able to perform aerobic exercises better. The value of VO2 Max is used to indicate a person’s level of fitness and endurance.
The amount of O2 used during exercise is measured and compared to the number of times of which the body uses O2 while at rest. One MET (Metabolic Equivalent) level is your baseline O2 consumption at rest, which is set at 3.5 millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (mL/kg/min). The MET offers a convenient measurement of O2 levels, as it relates to this baseline.
During exercise, the muscles need oxygen as a source of energy. When one is exercising to maximum capacity and oxygen – the main source of energy – is not sufficient, the body will begin to use energy from other sources through anaerobic metabolism. This causes cells to produce waste molecules in the form of lactic acid that impair muscles, causing muscle pain and fatigue.
How is performance measured?
The testing can be conducted either on a treadmill or on a stationary bike. The patient will be fitted with a respiratory mask covering mouth and nose and connected to a 12 Lead EKG. Vital statistics will be measured as a baseline, including heart rate, resting respiration and blood pressure. Then the workout begins, lasting 30-45 minutes.
During the test, the athlete will be asked to exercise until completely exhausted. This is the point that will be used to measure oxygen consumption – this is when anaerobic metabolism kicks in, and when the lactic and anaerobic thresholds will be measured through a blood test to determine the value of the lactic acid.
The test helps athletes determine their level of fitness and endurance, enabling them to adjust their training to improve performance and efficiency.
What are the benefits of VO2 Max?
1. It assesses the functioning consistency of the cardiovascular system.
If there are inconsistencies, a training programme is designed to enhance
the performance in sports.
2. It evaluates your cardiovascular system.
3. It detects abnormalities in the respiratory system.
4. It indicates an athlete’s potential for maximum performance, to assist in
training to improve performance and efficiency.
5. It helps you develop and control a workout programme and assess the
results, thus in addition preventing over-exercise and injury.
How do you prepare for the test?
- Complete rest: At least eight hours’sleep
- No heavy exercise for at least 12 hours
- No food for at least three hours
- Bring a pair of shorts or warm-up trousers and sport shoes.
- Prescribed medicine is fine.
The value of VO2Max varies for each individual, along with the ability to enhance performance. You’ll receive a report and consultation with a physician who specialises in planning fitness training.
Assistant Professor Pasakorn Watantada is a Sports Medicine and Human Motion Analysis specialist at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital.
The Sports and Orthopaedic Centre is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
Appointments for VO2 testing must be scheduled at least one day in advance. Call (02) 711 8181.
