Bodyology offers V02 max Testing using graded intensity protocol on a treadmill, and the CardioCoach C02 Indirect Calorimeter. This system analyses respiratory gas exchange (Oxygen & Carbon Dioxide), and therefore fuel substrate use whilst exercising. This is the “Gold Standard” of Aerobic fitness testing which is often used by elite athletes. Also used in medical testing environments (“Stress Tests”), Bodyology only offers the maximal test service to trained/training athletes or individuals with no health contraindications to testing. This is due to the high level of stress placed on the body during testing (Maximal).
VO2 simply stands for Volume of Oxygen. The CardioCoach C02 measures the volume of oxygen your body consumes at the various intensity levels during your test. The higher the workload you perform, the more oxygen your body requires to metabolise the energy needed. Since there is a direct relationship between oxygen consumption (VO2) and Calories burned, the CardioCoach can also determine how many Calories your body is burning at each intensity level. V02 max is the maximum volume of Oxygen you can uptake. The measurement is given in the units ml/kg/min. This is the volume of oxygen (ml), per unit of body weight (kg), per unit of time (minute).
At low intensity activities your heart and lungs can easily supply all of the oxygen your body demands. The intensity level beyond which your body cannot provide all the oxygen needed is your Aerobic Threshold. Above this level anaerobic (without oxygen) energy pathways start to operate. The greater your VO2 at your Aerobic Threshold, the greater your fitness and ability to function without producing fatigue causing by-products.
At high levels of intensity your body does not have sufficient oxygen to meet energy demands. Your body then uses anaerobic energy pathways which produce the by-product lactic acid. When you exercise above your anaerobic threshold your breathing will increase rapidly. It will be difficult to maintain this intensity level for a long period of time.
V02 max tests typically last from about 8 to 15 minutes and are a true test to exhaustion.
Information you will obtain from a V02 max test
:
- V02 max score (ml/kg/min)
- Fitness Rating
- Target workout zones (Individualised Heart Rate Training Zones)
- Aerobic Threshold (see below)
- Anaerobic Threshold (see below)
- Respiratory Quotient – Use of Carbohydrates and fats at different intensities
- Resting Heart Rate
- Maximal Heart Rate (as measured during test)
- Recovery Heart Rate
V02 printout
Pre-appointment preparation
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