7.2 VO2 Max Test
Unit C
Module 5 ~ Lesson 7
VO2 Max
Athletes and coaches use a test called VO2 max (the volume of oxygen used at maximal exertion) to determine how well an athlete is able to use oxygen. The test shown in the photograph is most often conducted in a sports-medicine laboratory because it requires specialized equipment. Although the noted test occurs on a stationary bicycle, the test can also be performed on a treadmill or on a rowing machine. It is also possible for athletes without the ability to use their legs to do the test by using an arm ergometer or a treadmill adapted for a wheelchair.
Calculate your VO2 Max
Although a VO2 measurement requires sophisticated equipment, there are a number of methods that you can use to estimate your VO2 max.
In order to estimate your VO2 max, you can perform some sort of physical activity or just use your age and resting heart rate. Try one of the methods on this page to estimate your VO2 Max, then use the charts below to evaluate your VO2 Max. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from participating in physical education classes, you should not participate in the exercising part of this activity.
Female (values in ml/kg/min)
Age |
Very Poor |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Excellent |
Superior |
13-19 |
|
25.0 - 30.9 |
31.0 - 34.9 |
35.0 - 38.9 |
39.0 - 41.9 |
>41.9 |
20-29 |
|
23.6 - 28.9 |
29.0 - 32.9 |
33.0 - 36.9 |
37.0 - 41.0 |
>41.0 |
30-39 |
|
22.8 - 26.9 |
27.0 - 31.4 |
31.5 - 35.6 |
35.7 - 40.0 |
>40.0 |
40-49 |
|
21.0 - 24.4 |
24.5 - 28.9 |
29.0 - 32.8 |
32.9 - 36.9 |
>36.9 |
50-59 |
|
20.2 - 22.7 |
22.8 - 26.9 |
27.0 - 31.4 |
31.5 - 35.7 |
>35.7 |
60+ |
|
17.5 - 20.1 |
20.2 - 24.4 |
24.5 - 30.2 |
30.3 - 31.4 |
>31.4 |
Male (values in ml/kg/min)
Age |
Very Poor |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Excellent |
Superior |
13-19 |
|
35.0 - 38.3 |
38.4 - 45.1 |
45.2 - 50.9 |
51.0 - 55.9 |
>55.9 |
20-29 |
|
33.0 - 36.4 |
36.5 - 42.4 |
42.5 - 46.4 |
46.5 - 52.4 |
>52.4 |
30-39 |
|
31.5 - 35.4 |
35.5 - 40.9 |
41.0 - 44.9 |
45.0 - 49.4 |
>49.4 |
40-49 |
|
30.2 - 33.5 |
33.6 - 38.9 |
39.0 - 43.7 |
43.8 - 48.0 |
>48.0 |
50-59 |
|
26.1 - 30.9 |
31.0 - 35.7 |
35.8 - 40.9 |
41.0 - 45.3 |
>45.3 |
60+ |
|
20.5 - 26.0 |
26.1 - 32.2 |
32.3 - 36.4 |
36.5 - 44.2 |
>44.2 |
Once you have determined your VO2 max level, consider the following questions:
- How does this relate to cellular respiration?
- What does it mean, in terms of aerobic respiration, if your VO2 max value is high?
- What is the relationship between heart rate and cellular respiration?