Maximum Aerobic Power
Introduction: Maximal aerobic power (VO2max) is defined as “the highest rate of oxygen consumption attainable during maximal or exhaustive exercise”. By the application of exercise testing the maximal aerobic power of an individual can be attained through the use of direct or indirect tests. Testing of VO2max has many important applications, not only in world of sport science but also in medical disciplines. An athlete’s success in endurance related exercise significantly corresponds to their level of cardiovascular fitness. An individual’s level of cardiovascular fitness can also be used to predict the onset of cardiovascular disease. According to the public health agency of Canada, “Cardiovascular disease is a term that refers to more than one disease of the circulatory system including the heart and blood vessels, whether the blood vessels are affecting the lungs, the brain, kidneys or other parts of the body. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in adult Canadian men and women.” The best measure of cardiovascular fitness is the use of a VO2max test. This test specifically measures the maximum amount of oxygen that can be utilized by the body in one minute during exercise. The results are attained from the combined use of the lungs, heart, vascular system and exercising muscles in the transport and use of oxygen. If any one of these systems is not functioning efficiently the maximal aerobic power of the individual will be affected. The importance of VO2max testing on non athletes is more fundamental, it may help predict the onset of cardiovascular disease. It is also beneficial to test athletes for performance and health reasons. Depending on the results the athletes exercise prescription may be changed in order to help push them to the next level. Endurance exercise can also be very demanding on the body, stress testing may help calculate the risk of exercise for athletes. To asses VO2max the use of two direct and two indirect tests will
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