VO2 Max stands for maximal oxygen uptake. It
specifically refers to the efficiency of the body to take in oxygen and
eliminate carbon dioxide. VO2 max is a measure used to indicate how an
individual’s body is capable of utilizing oxygen within a minute. It is used in
laboratories to measure an individual’s capacity for aerobic work. VO2 Max is a
commonly accepted measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness and is used to
predict the potential of specific athletes engaged in a particular sport.
This is
usually tested using a treadmill where an individual is asked to run while
attached to a breathing apparatus calculating the amount of air being taken in
and out of the body.
