VO2 Testing

Your VO2Max value directly relates to your current cardiovascular fitness giving you a benchmark for your training. The results can then be analysed to outline specific training zones, to set you on the way to achieving your chosen fitness goals.

We offer two levels of VO2 testing:

• VO2Max
• VO2SubMax

Also read more about VO2 testing in our article: VO2 Testing –Not  Just for the Elite?

Sport Specific VO2Max Assessment

One of the most important factors of a structured training programme is to train – and race – at the correct intensity.  Forget about using predicted heart rate for guessing how hard to work – now you too can reap the huge rewards of setting these specific training and racing zones from VO2 and anaerobic threshold data, whether just for health, general fitness or elite athletic performance.

Most people have to rely on general formula to predict their personal physiology. Often 220 minus age is used to estimate maximum heart rate (MHR). This usually underestimates maximal heart rate and training zones because anyone offering this advice must be wary of encouraging people to over exercise. Consequently, anyone following this advice wastes a lot of time.  Individual heart rate responses vary tremendously, just like resting heart rate, even among people of the same age.  Moreover, percentage zones of true MHR are accurately set using the VO2 data from your Drummond test, not simply from the HR response.

Furthermore, when using heart rate monitoring, it is of major benefit to establish training zones based around your lactate threshold (LT) or anaerobic threshold (AT). Thresholds can only be accurately determined from a VO2max exercise test and provide you with physiological information to train, perform and race to your highest potential.

V02 Testing is set up at Drummond for the following sports:

• Running
• Cycling
• Triathlon (multi-test: run/bike)
• Rowing

VO2max is the gold standard measurement of cardiovascular (CV) health and endurance fitness, used by athletes such as Paula Radcliffe and Lance Armstrong to define their fitness, formulate race nutrition and set training programmes.

Whether you are interested in your health, general CV fitness, sport performance, or calorific needs; whether you run, cycle, row or cross-train, you can have your fitness measured and compared to normal and athletic values with this test, here at Drummond Clinic.

Cardiovascular fitness, aerobic endurance or aerobic power is the ability to perform large muscle, dynamic, moderate and high intensity exercise for long periods of time. The more oxygen you can consume, deliver and utilise, the higher your aerobic capacity (endurance).  CV Fitness depends on how well your respiratory, cardiovascular and skeletal muscles work together to deliver and use oxygen. You can have your VO2max measured during a flat out effort or predicted from your individual oxygen response at lower intensities. The best way to measure VO2max is by being tested on a piece of equipment that you use the most (i.e. if you are a runner, on a treadmill. if you are a cyclist on a bike etc). The test involves about 10-12 minutes of exercise, building from what you would call very easy to the point where you choose to stop, while we analyse the oxygen you use with a high performance gas analyser.

We will also look at a second measurement of aerobic fitness which is your Anaerobic Threshold (AT). This can be measured with a flat-out effort and will improve as you lose weight and get fitter. It is only possible to gain this data with a VO2max exercise test.

Read more about VO2 testing in our article: VO2 Testing – Just for the Elite?