Reference no: EM133194084

VO2 Max Lab Assignment -

Introduction - VO2 max, or maximal oxygen consumption, refers to the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can utilize during intense or maximal exercise. This measurement is generally considered the best indicator of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. The more oxygen a person can use during high level exercise, the more energy a person can produce. This test is the gold standard for determining cardiorespiratory fitness because the muscles need oxygen for prolonged aerobic exercise, and the heart must pump adequate amounts of blood through the circulation to meet the demands of aerobic exercise.

The ability to predict VO2 max is determined by the heart pumping blood more efficiently and oxygen is more readily used for metabolism in individuals with higher maximal oxygen consumption capabilities. This concept better known as cardiovascular efficiency occurs since the heart doesn't have to work as hard (heart rate is lower) to meet metabolic demands of a task. Therefore, if two individuals are performing the same power output (requiring the same oxygen consumption), the individual with the higher VO2 max will tend to have the lower heart rate. Also, we would expect that if two individuals were to work hard and record similar heart rates, the individual with higher VO2 max will perform more physical work than the other. This laboratory experience will help students learn procedures and supportive principles of basic fitness testing. Students will also learn how to interpret the results of very simple fitness tests and compare the outcomes of three different ways to measure VO2 max.

Procedures - Students will select three different ways to measure VO2 max and record the data for each test. There are six different ways to measure VO2 max, but given the on-line nature of class, students will choose three of five tests. The five tests include: one-mile walking test, 1.5-mile run, 12-minute run, step/bench test, and the 12-minute swim test. Students will find a separate lab sheet for each mode of exercise under week nine on Blackboard. Students will have two weeks to complete the three different tests and record the data including any observations the student may make during these tests. Since we are not meeting in a group, students may experience a variety of conditions that may impact overall results.

Data - Students will submit a data sheet recording their findings for each of three different fitness tests. Once they have completed three different tests, students will answer the following discussion questions.

Discussion Questions -

1. Please describe each fitness test you performed and explain which of the three most accurately reflects your cardiorespiratory fitness level?

2. Did you find similar results among the three fitness tests? Why or why not?

3. How do your VO2 max results compare to the average person in your age and gender category? If you don't have access to data, make an educated guess.

4. What common problems or sources of error might interfere with the accuracy of these tests?

5. Why is it important that experts measure VO2 max in elite athletes, students, and healthy individuals?

6. Which special populations should avoid these VO2 max fitness tests?