Abstract
The maximal oxygen uptake (O2max) is the primary determinant of endurance performance in heterogeneous populations and has predictive value for clinical outcomes and all-cause mortality. Accurate and precise measurement of O2max requires the adherence to quality control procedures, including combustion testing and the use of standardized incremental exercise protocols with a verification phase preceded by an adequate familiarization. The data averaging strategy employed to calculate the O2max from the breath-by-breath data can change the O2max value by 4–10%. The lower the number of breaths or smaller the number of seconds included in the averaging block, the higher the calculated O2max value with this effect being more prominent in untrained subjects. Smaller averaging strategies in number of breaths or seconds (less than 30 breaths or seconds) facilitate the identification of the plateau phenomenon without reducing the reliability of the measurements. When employing metabolic carts, averaging intervals including 15–20 breaths or seconds are preferable as a compromise between capturing the true O2max and identifying the plateau. In training studies, clinical interventions and meta-analysis, reporting of O2max in absolute values and inclusion of protocols and the averaging strategies arise as imperative to permit adequate comparisons. Newly developed correction equations can be used to normalize O2max to similar averaging strategies. A lack of improvement of O2max with training does not mean that the training program has elicited no adaptations, since peak cardiac output and mitochondrial oxidative capacity may be increased without changes in O2max.
Highlights
Relevance of V O2max Determination in Performance and HealthThe maximal oxygen uptake (V O2max) is the highest flow of oxygen (O2) that can be used by the organism, representing the integrated capacity of the pulmonary, cardiovascular and muscle systems to take up, transport and utilize O2
The V O2max is one of the main factors associated with endurance performance (Joyner and Coyle, 2008) in various exercise modalities (Magel and Faulkner, 1967; Holmér et al, 1974; Maughan and Leiper, 1983)
V O2max does not predict performance in homogeneous groups of athletes, an exceptionally high V O2max constitutes a prerequisite to compete at world-class level (Joyner and Coyle, 2008; Losnegard et al, 2013)
Summary
Relevance of V O2max Determination in Performance and HealthThe maximal oxygen uptake (V O2max) is the highest flow of oxygen (O2) that can be used by the organism, representing the integrated capacity of the pulmonary, cardiovascular and muscle systems to take up, transport and utilize O2. In addition to the 150 mL or 2 mL.kg−1.min−1 criterion previously proposed by Taylor et al (1955) for the attainment of the plateau, other cut-off values have been postulated, as the V O2 < 80 mL.min−1 proposed by Astrand (1960) or the presence of a slope not different from zero with an increase in exercise intensity (Myers et al, 1990).
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