Metabolic Testing
VO2 FAQ
What is it?
- VO2MAX is an abbreviation for the maximum (MAX) volume (V) of oxygen (O2) an individual body can use to make energy.
Why is it important?
- Minimum levels of oxygen consumption are necessary to complete daily tasks.
- VO2 is oftentimes used as an overall indicator of cardiovascular fitness. The higher the VO2 value, the better the individuals overall cardiovascular fitness. Therefore, each of us should strive to achieve and maintain a minimum level of VO2MAX.
What will I learn from these tests?
- Each test ends with a consultation where we will tell you the following: What your individual results are, what your results mean to you and your overall goals, and how this information can be applied into an exercise prescription to help you meet your specific goals.
- With testing at regular intervals (every 2 to 3 months) your individual progress can be measured and adjustments can be made to your exercise prescription to continuously maximize and maintain your cardiovascular health.
Who benefits from this test?
- Everyone!!
- Athletes can add structure and purpose to their training programs and gain a competitive edge through application of sport science principles.
- Former couch potatoes can begin an exercise program that they will enjoy and be able to maintain thereby promoting positive health benefits.
- Those not getting results can make changes to their current program to make each training session effective and beneficial.
How test is run?
- Running tests: The test will begin with a warm-up on the treadmill. Once the warm-up is complete, a comfortable mask will be placed over your mouth and nose so that information regarding your gas exchange can be obtained by the metabolic cart. The treadmill will then begin moving at an easy, comfortable pace and will increase in speed every two minutes, up to a point that is slightly faster than your race pace speed. At this point, the incline will then be increased 1% every minute until the athlete feels unable to continue with the protocol. During this test our exercise physiologist will be monitoring the rate at which your body consumes oxygen, as well as your heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). The level of oxygen consumed will increase as the exercise intensity increases. After you have reached your peak level of oxygen consumption, a two minute cool-down period will begin to assess how quickly your cardiovascular system recovers. Total time for the test will be about 90 minutes, including time for warm-up, the running assessment, and an overview of the results.
- Cycling tests: Using your individual bike, the test will begin with a warm-up on the CompuTrainer. Once the warm-up is complete, a comfortable mask will be placed over your mouth and nose so that information regarding your gas exchange can be obtained by the metabolic cart. Work on the CompuTrainer will then begin at a low and comfortable wattage for the first 5 minutes, and will increase in wattage every three minutes thereafter. During this time our exercise physiologist will be monitoring the rate in which your body consumes oxygen, as well as your heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). The level of oxygen consumed will increase as the exercise intensity (wattage on CompuTrainer) increases. After you have reached your peak level of oxygen consumption, a two minute cool-down period will begin to assess how quickly your cardiovascular system recovers. Total time for the test will be about 90 minutes, including time for warm-up, the cycling assessment, and an overview of the results.
Why should I train by heart rate?
- Eliminate the guesswork. Measured heart rate zones allow you to train more efficiently and specifically throughout the season.
- You will be able to comfortably complete workouts on consecutive days with quicker recovery, while maximizing your fitness.
- Heart rate training is a great way to reduce your likelihood of developing overuse injuries, or drifting into the uneasy state of being overtrained.
What is the price for the testing?
- Individual: The first test is $150. Each test thereafter in a calendar year is $120.
- Group Pricing: We do offer special discounts for groups of 10 or more. Please call (480)556-8406 for rates.
Who performs this test?
- The testing at Endurance Rehabilitation is done by Matt Byers, M.S. Matt has worked with endurance athletes from a variety of backgrounds, and is able to critically interpret results from these tests to assist you in your training goals. An internship at the US Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY allowed Matt to work with current and hopeful Olympic athletes while also receiving training and oversight from highly regarded exercise physiologists in the fields of human athletic performance. While at Colorado State University, Matt worked closely with the Heart Disease Prevention Program consulting with apparently healthy individuals to communicate what risk factors they were predisposed to, and what lifestyle changes (through exercise, diet and stress reduction) they could incorporate to minimize their risks. Matt has also worked at the Arizona Heart Institute performing stress tests and organizing exercise prescriptions for individuals with heart disease, including those who have had heart surgeries and heart attacks. Through these diverse applications, Matt has been able to help a vast array of people reach their performance and lifestyle goals, both short-term and long-term.
What is the equipment for this test?
- The metabolic cart used at Endurance Rehabilitation is the same unit you would find at professional level clinical and research facilities, including the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale.
- Cycling tests are done on the CompuTrainer, which uses your own bike for the protocol, taking out any of the guess work in making sure that the fit for the test is one you are comfortable with.
How often should I be tested?
- Those doing events regularly should be tested every 3 to 4 months.
- Regular testing allows for a thorough review of your progress, which shows if the training methods used are helping you reach your goals.
- As your fitness changes, so will your heart rate zones. Testing every 3 to 4 months keeps you on a steady track to improvement.
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