What Is VO2 Max?

VO2 max is the peak oxygen usage of an athlete at maximum exercise and is measured in milliliters of oxygen.

What Do the Results Mean?

This metabolic test is an excellent indicator of aerobic fitness. Athletes with higher VO2 max values can tolerate higher exercise intensity and volume than those whose VO2 max values indicate lower levels of conditioning. Athletes with higher VO2 can also recover from an aerobic work more efficiently. VO2 max can be increased by workout intensities at specific sub-max VO2 percentages. Your lactate threshold can be estimated during the VO2 max test or it can be actually measured during the lactate profile test. During the V02 max test, the lactate threshold is estimated using metabolic parameters like VO2 & VCO2. Elite endurance athletes have a high lactate profile, typically 80% to 90% of their VO2 max.

How Is a VO2 Max Test Done?

Watch a short video demonstrating the VO2 max testing process. Kimberly Gandler, Sport Biomechanist at the Memorial Hermann | Rockets Sports Medicine Institute, will guide you through the process.

Schedule a VO2 Max Test

A cycling or running VO2 max test is $150 a la carte. The Memorial Hermann | Rockets Sports Medicine Institute also offers sport-specific packages to meet the needs of all athletes.

Contact Us

For more information on the Rockets Sports Medicine Institute orthopedic doctors or surgeons, treatment for injuries, scheduling Human Performance services, or getting more information about physical therapy, please fill out the form below or call us at (713) 222-2273

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