How to conduct a VO2 max test

Aims of the seminar

To understand how to conduct a VO2 max experiment.

Session objectives

To understand the equipment included. To know what variables you are measuring

during the test. To know how to increase resistance during

the test and when.

Energy pathways

There are three energy pathways you need to be concerned with:

ATP-Pc system Anaerobic glycolysis Aerobic system

Just to recap

Three energy systems…… ATP – Pc: used for all out power events, only last for

3-15 seconds max. (NO OXYGEN) Anaerobic glycolysis: is used when you need to mix

sprinting, with running, jogging and walking. This can be used for relatively long periods of time (up to 30 minutes) as long as ATP is been re-synthesised.

Aerobic system: used when you need to exercise for long periods of time. Oxygen is used to convert glycogen into energy.

What is the VO2 max test.

The test is designed to measure/determine a persons oxygen consumption during sub-maximal – maximal exercise

The test will last for about 15 minutes and will start off easy and will gradually get very hard.

What else is measured?

As well as measuring oxygen up take, you will also measure heart rate, blood pressure and perceived exhaustion during the test.

How will I measure these

Oxygen consumption is measured through a big tube that is attached to your mouth and is stored in a bag called a Douglas bag. It is then vacuumed out into a gas analyser that will tell you your total oxygen consumption.

How to measure variables

Heart rate = measured through a heart rate monitor that is strapped to your chest, the reading is displayed through a watch.

Blood pressure = measured through a automated sphygmometer.

Perceived exertion = measured through a scale from 1-12

VO2max test in action

Other equipment you may use

What do I measure before the test?

Height (CM)

Weight (Kg)

Heart rate at rest (BPM)

Blood pressure at rest (mm/Hg)

75% of heart rate max (BPM)

How will I do the test

What do I measure after the test?

Heart rate (BPM)

Blood Pressure (mm/Hg)

RPE

V02 Consumption (ml/kg/min) + score

What is my responsibility?

Participant: you must cycle at 50PRM constantly.

Tester: you must measure VO2, Heart rate and blood pressure.

You must adjust the resistance (WATTS). Watts are weight x RPM Example: 150 watts = 50RPM with a 3Kg

resistance.

What do I do with the data?

You must put your data into excel and make a spreadsheet illustrating results from the heart rate, blood pressure, perceived exertion and VO2.

With the data create graphs and analyse what is happening to the heart and lungs during the VO2max test.

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE TEST TO RECORD YOUR DATA!!!!

When are we doing the tests?

We will start the tests after college 3:30 – 4:30 in the sport science lab after half term.

You will work in pairs, one is the tester whilst the other is the participant.

You will change roles after one person has been tested.