Question

In determining VO2 max

i) What criteria justifies whether VO2 max has been reached and justify.

ii) If only VO2 peak can be seen graphically can this also reflect VO2 max. Explain

Answer 1

i) while we measure VO2 when the value attains a plateau even after there is an increase in work rate. Now we can determine that the VO2max is achieved. The body has a limit, so even if we Increase exercise or work rate the oxygen consumption and distribution can never exceed than the the toleration limit of the body. In some cases the age adjusted HRmax and determination of the high lactic acid in blood is done if the subject fails to attain plateau.

ii) no it can't be VO2max. They are not the same. The VO2max attains a plateau phase which is as response to a hard exercise shows that the oxygen consumption never increase after that. The VO2 peak is measured if a submaximal exercuse is done. So the plateau phase cannot be seen. It shows a peak shape. The VO2 max can be calculated from VO2 using some equations.