Question

By doing two submaximal tests to predict the V02 max of the same person, we could see that the result differ a little bit:

Astrand Rhyming : absolute value: 3.15 liter per minute, relative value: 48,46 ml/kg/min.

YMCA cycle test: absolute value: 3.0 liters per minute, relative value: 46,15 ml/kg/min.

What does the difference in results tell us? How much did the two tests differ? Which of these test is better in order to get the most accurate prediction of a VO2 max value for that person?

Answer 1

VO2 maximum is measured either as an absolute value or a relative value. The absolute value is measured in litres of oxygen per minute (L/ min). The relative value is measured in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min).

Absolute VO2 reflects the total amount of oxygen consumed by a body regardless of size, age or gender.

Relative VO2 reflects the total amount of oxygen consumed by a body with respect to the body weight.

The average relative vo2 max is 35 to 40 ml/kg/min

The average absolute vo2 max is 3.5 to 4 L/min

In Astrand Rhyming,

The absolute VO2 max - 3.5 l/min

The relative VO2 max - 48.46 ml/kg/min

In YMCA cycle test,

The absolute VO2 max - 3.0 l/min

The relative VO2 max - 46.15 ml/kg/min

The above tests shows an increase in the relative vo2 value signifies the best cardiorespiratory fitness. The greater the oxygen consumed the greater the aerobic fitness.

Therefore Astrand Rhyming, is good for fitness than YMCA cycle. The both test are aerobic fitness cycle test that works based on the persons heart rate. The Astrand tests the relationship beween the heart rate during work and percentage of maximal aerobic capacity.

The YMCA cycle predicts the workload on the heart and therefore calculate the vo2 max if the person reached their maximum heart rate.