WHAT IS A VO2 MAX TEST?
VO2 MAX is the abbreviation for maximal oxygen consumption per minute. Maximal oxygen consumption is measured by collecting expired air during progressive exercise. When the difference between inspired and expired O2 content and the volume of air ventilated are known, oxygen consumption can be calculated. Such testing is used to measure maximal endurance capacity in athletes, evaluate patients with heart disease, and distinguish pulmonary from cardiovascular limitation in exercise.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE TEST:
At the time of your test, a technician will sit down with you to review your medical history, family history, social history, and exercise history. A standard ECG is taken and then reviewed by Dr. Bruce Andrea, which will benefit you by ruling out any ischemic heart disease and/or risk of sudden cardiac death. Blood pressures, oxygen saturation, and heart rate will also be assessed prior to testing. Gas exchange is measured by wearing a mask fitted with valves along with expired air being routed to a gas analyzer. You will either be tested on a bike, treadmill, or rowing machine (other testing modalities to hopefully come later). This is a maximal test, meaning that it will be an all out effort in order to get conclusive results. During the test, the technicians will be monitoring blood pressures, oxygen saturation, and possibly blood lactates. Once the test is done, the mask will be taken off followed by a recovery phase.
WHAT WE CAN DETERMINE WITH THE RESULTS:
Following the test, the data will be pulled together and this will be beneficial data to know where ones exercise capacity is. Heart rate response at lactate threshold and peak exercise will also be assessed which is beneficial to determining training zones.