VO2Max

VO2 max, or maximal oxygen consumption, refers to the maximum amount of oxygen a person can use during intense exercise. It's measured in milliliters of oxygen consumed per kilogram of body weight per minute (1). For men, a VO2 max of above 50 is desirable, and for women, above 35 is a good target (1).

The VO2 max can be estimated through exercise tests, such as the 12-minute Cooper's test, where the distance covered in that time helps estimate VO2 max (2), or a 1-mile walk test where the time and heart rate at the end are used (2). A laboratory test wearing a mask to collect gases while exercising can provide a direct and accurate measurement of VO2 max (2). The genetic predisposition for a higher VO2 max can affect performance, but expectations about one's genetic traits can also influence actual performance, as seen in a study where participants were misled about having a favorable genetic trait for VO2 max, impacting their performance and physiology (3).

The VO2 max reflects the cardiovascular system's capacity to transport oxygen during sustained exercise and is a key indicator of one's aerobic fitness level. It is essential for endurance activities as it ultimately limits the capacity to perform long-duration exercise (4).