AQA · A-Level · Physical Education
Course version: 7582 · Version from Sept 2016
Energy systems: VO₂ max test.
A VO₂ max test measures the maximum rate at which the body can take up, transport and use oxygen during maximal exercise.
Checked against the AQA 7582 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 20 of 26
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
A VO₂ max test measures the maximum rate at which the body can take up, transport and use oxygen during maximal exercise. It is usually performed on a treadmill or cycle ergometer with progressive increases in intensity until exhaustion, while the performer breathes through a mouthpiece or mask connected to a gas analyser. The analyser measures oxygen uptake (VO₂) and carbon dioxide production, and VO₂ max is recorded when oxygen uptake plateaus despite further increases in work rate, or when secondary criteria such as a respiratory exchange ratio above a set value and near-maximal heart rate are met. Results are expressed in cm³·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ or dm³·min⁻¹ and reflect aerobic power.
What earns the marks
- A VO₂ max test measures the maximum rate of oxygen uptake, transport and use during maximal exercise.
- Expired air is analysed with a gas analyser while the performer breathes through a mouthpiece or mask.
- VO₂ max is identified when oxygen uptake plateaus despite further increases in work rate, or when secondary criteria are met.
- Results are expressed relative to body mass, for example in cm³·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, or as an absolute value in dm³·min⁻¹.
- VO₂ max is an indicator of aerobic power and can be used to assess and monitor aerobic fitness.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Thinking VO₂ max is the maximum heart rate.
Put it right: VO₂ max is a measure of oxygen uptake, while heart rate is a separate cardiovascular variable.
Assuming the test ends as soon as the performer feels tired.
Put it right: The test continues with progressive increments until oxygen uptake plateaus or the performer cannot continue, so that a true maximum is approached.
Believing VO₂ max can be measured accurately without a gas analyser.
Put it right: Direct measurement requires analysis of expired air, although submaximal or field tests can estimate it indirectly.
Confusing absolute and relative VO₂ max units.
Put it right: Absolute values are given in dm³·min⁻¹, while relative values are given per kilogram of body mass, such as cm³·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹.
Exam tips
- State the equipment used (treadmill or cycle ergometer, mouthpiece or mask, gas analyser) when describing the test.
- Explain the plateau criterion clearly, as it is the key indicator that VO₂ max has been reached.
- Use correct units and specify whether the value is absolute or relative to body mass.
Try the lesson
The start of the Energy systems: VO₂ max test. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of the following best describes what a VO₂ max test measures?
Listen
A VO₂ max test measures the maximum rate at which the body can take up, transport and use oxygen during maximal exercise. It is usually performed on a treadmill or cycle ergometer with progressive increases in intensity until exhaustion, while the performer breathes through a mouthpiece or mask connected to a gas analyser. The analyser measures oxygen uptake (VO₂) and carbon dioxide production, and VO₂ max is recorded when oxygen uptake plateaus despite further increases in work rate, or when secondary criteria such as a respiratory exchange ratio above a set value and near-maximal heart rate are met. Results are expressed in cm³·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ or dm³·min⁻¹ and reflect aerobic power. A strong answer earns marks for these points. A VO₂ max test measures the maximum rate of oxygen uptake, transport and use during maximal exercise. Expired air is analysed with a gas analyser while the performer breathes through a mouthpiece or mask. VO₂ max is identified when oxygen uptake plateaus despite further increases in work rate, or when secondary criteria are met. Results are expressed relative to body mass, for example in cm³·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, or as an absolute value in dm³·min⁻¹. A common slip: Thinking VO₂ max is the maximum heart rate. Instead, VO₂ max is a measure of oxygen uptake, while heart rate is a separate cardiovascular variable. Exam tip: State the equipment used (treadmill or cycle ergometer, mouthpiece or mask, gas analyser) when describing the test.
Key words
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VO₂ max test
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Oxygen uptake, transport and use
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Aerobic power and fitness assessment
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Maximal exercise testing protocols
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See every definition
- VO₂ max test
- Measures the maximum rate at which the body can take up, transport and use oxygen during maximal exercise.
- Oxygen uptake, transport and use
- The maximum rate of oxygen uptake, transport and use during maximal exercise is what a VO₂ max test measures.
- Aerobic power and fitness assessment
- VO₂ max is an indicator of aerobic power and can be used to assess and monitor aerobic fitness.
- Maximal exercise testing protocols
- Typically performed on a treadmill or cycle ergometer with progressive intensity increases until exhaustion, while the performer breathes through a mouthpiece or mask connected to a gas analyser.
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