The Measurement of Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2max)
during Stationary Cycling. The Watt Bike
Ricardas Vidrinskas
C00220448
Institute of Technology, Carlow
Exercise Physiology Practical
To Paula Fitzpatrick
22.02.2018
Introduction
This practical will be used to measure the maximal oxygen consumption one of the group members
(Mary Fitzgerald) to find out the results of female athlete. The practical test will be carried in the
sport lab using the stationary watt bike. Maximal oxygen consumption test is known as one of the
best ways to measure the aerobic capacity of an athlete. Endurance sports like running, swimming
and cycling are long and physically demanding events where large-muscle groups are continually
working and using oxygen for prolonged periods of time.
The VO2 Max test is designed to measure of how well the heart and lungs can work to deliver
oxygen and ATP molecules to muscles in need. The higher fitness levels the better body absorbs and
deals with oxygen through the test. The test will give results of athlete’s performance which will be
used to find out current fitness level. It is difficulty-increasing test with the estimated results to
occur at 90-95% of persons VO2 Max
There are few important benefits from carrying the test. First of all the athlete and coach will know
the current fitness levels. This could be used to design future training programs to maximise the
results. Training at the correct intensity will help to optimize the body's response giving an athlete
the greatest workout efficiency.
Nutritional benefits also comes after the test as it will give more information on how much and how
well carbohydrates and fats are used to provide energy. Also exact number of calories burned can
assist when building a diet plan.
The purpose of this practical is to gain experience in the procedures involved in the measurement of
oxygen consumption and to examine the factors that may affect the results.
Equipment used in practical:
 Gas Analysis Equipment: MSCPX Ergospirometry testing device (MSCPX), face mask, headpiece and attachments
 Watt bike
 Polar HR monitor
 Borg scale
 Recording sheet
 Stop clock
 Seca weighing scales
 Stadiometer
Procedures
1. Mary was selected as a subject. Pre-test questionnaire was completed and height
(statiometer) & weight (seca scales) measurements were taken and recorded.
2. Polar heart rate monitor was attached and RHR was recorded.
3. Warm up was carried by Ricardas in the following order:
a) 5mins cycling (Cadence 50-60rpm)
b) 5mins of lower limb dynamic stretches
c) 5mins cycling (Cadence 50-60rpm)
4. The MSCPX was calibrated and prepared for the test. New patient was created and relevant
information filled.
5. Head strap and face mask was clipped and secured to subject’s head. Triple Volume
Transducer was attached
6. Pre-test was started at the 0 adjustment for few minutes to remove the moisture content
from the inspired air. Naflon tubing was connected to Triple Volume Transducer
7. Subject chose the starting cadence (wattage guidelines) and the test was started.
8. Cycling cadence was increased every minute and subject was monitored and encouraged to
keep up with the correct wattage for each phase
9. Borg scale and heart rate reading were taken every minute, just before the next phase.
10. After stopping Mary continued slow pedalling for recovery and cool down proposes
11. All reading were recorded into data collection sheet
12. All equipment was cleaned, return to store and lab area left tidy.
Table for phase difficulty and wattage
Resistance
Watts
Watts cum mean
100
100
115
107.5
130
115
145
122.5
160
130
175
137.5
190
145
205
152.5
220
160
235
167.5
250
175
265
182.5
VO2 Max Data Collection Sheet
1
76
80
85
88
92
95
101
104
106
109
112
114
2
3
Cadence
72 68
77 72
81 75
86 81
89 84
92 86
96 89
99 92
101 94
104 96
106 99
109 101
4
65
68
71
74
79
82
84
86
89
91
93
95
Maximal oxygen uptake norms for men (ml/kg/min)
Age (years)
rating
18-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
65+
excellent
> 60
> 56
> 51
> 45
> 41
> 37
good
52-60
49-56
43-51
39-45
36-41
33-37
above average
47-51
43-48
39-42
36-38
32-35
29-32
average
42-46
40-42
35-38
32-35
30-31
26-28
below average
37-41
35-39
31-34
29-31
26-29
22-25
poor
30-36
30-34
26-30
25-28
22-25
20-21
very poor
< 30
< 30
< 26
< 25
< 22
< 20
Maximal oxygen uptake norms for women (ml/kg/min)
Age (years)
rating
18-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
65+
excellent
> 56
> 52
> 45
> 40
> 37
> 32
good
47-56
45-52
38-45
34-40
32-37
28-32
above average
42-46
39-44
34-37
31-33
28-31
25-27
average
38-41
35-38
31-33
28-30
25-27
22-24
below average
33-37
31-34
27-30
25-27
22-24
19-21
poor
28-32
26-30
22-26
20-24
18-21
17-18
very poor
< 28
< 26
< 22
< 20
< 18
< 17
Results
Vo2 results
Results shows that Mary started the test with 24 ml/kg/min of oxygen consumption. In each stage
Mary had to spin a little harder than in the previous stage and this is seen on her oxygen
consumptions, as in each stage there was 2-3ml/kg/min increase observed form the results.
Finishing with 46ml/kg/min at the last stage we can see that subject’s oxygen consumptions levels
doubled from the start. As highlighted on the result table we can see that Mary’s result are just at
the edge of being in ‘good’ section. The result being well above the average the test for VO2 max
considered successful and subject happy with the results.
VO2 Max test is very popular between endurance athletes and some of them showing amazing
results according to the readings. With record being 97.5ml/kg/min shows the highs that could be
achieved by training.
Heart Rate
Subjects RHR was around 100 bpm at the very start of the test. Results showing steady increase of
the HR through the stages. On average Mary’s HR increased 3-5 bmp until the final stage reading
reaching 197bpm. With Mary’s MaxHR being 195bpm she actually past it showing good fitness levels
and determination towards the test.
RER(Respiratory Exchange Ratio)
In this Practical it is the ratio between the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced during high
intensity physical training and oxygen (O2) used during it. The ratio is determined by comparing
exhaled gases to room air. Normally lower amount absorbed when body use fats as main source of
energy and high reading when it turns to carbohydrates.
It’s clear to see in the last phase of the test where Mary’s CO2 production exceeded the oxygen
intake and its where subjects usually start to decrease the intensity as there is not enough oxy=gen
for muscles to continue contractions.
Borg Scale
This scale is purely based on how the participant feels throughout the test at different stages. At the
end of every stage Mary had to point out on the sheet scale how she feels combined with how hard
it is. Reading also show steady increase as it gets harder. Final reading was 19 which is almost
highest rank for difficulty.
Conclusion
In conclusion we can see that it is hard, but very important test for endurance athletes. There is a
fair challenge to bring your HR to a maximum and not everyone can do it without unpleasant
consequences after. From today's practical we can see that the test is flexible and is suited for all
athletes and sport people that wants to find out their VO2 Max.
Treadmill VO2 Max is a very similar test and is an alternative for Watt bike test that can be
substituted for running athletes for more accurate results and comfort.
This practical shows how greatly technologies can analyse sport and improve performance.
Computer program can calculate every breath and it greatly helps the understanding our bodies and
how to train them to improve.
There is a great benefit from doing the test and it would be advised to re-do the test every few
months or before beginning the new training program to maximize the gains.
References
Chris Newport, First Published 2014, Page Title: 3 Benefits of VO2Max Testing, accessed 12 February
2018, Webpage URL: http://www.theenduranceedge.com/2014/12/3-benefits-of-vo2max-testing/
vo2maxtesting.net, First Published 2018, Page Title: Benefits of VO2 Max Testing, accessed 12
February 2018, Webpage URL: http://www.vo2maxtesting.net/benefits.html
Author: Robert Wood, First Published: 2012, Page Title: Norm values for VO2max, accessed 12
February 2018, Webpage URL: http://www.topendsports.com/testing/norms/vo2max.htm