VO2 max as heart rate?
 

I've noticed that several of the guys in my club have paid to have their vo2 max tested and then reported it as a heart rate. This doesn't make any sense to me. I've always understood VO2 max to be a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen your body can process. it can be expressed as an absolute, the total quantity of O2 used or as relative score, i.e. the amount of O2 used in relation to your weight. Anything over 50 is good for a relative score.

Why are these guys getting it wrong? It sounds to me like they've confused VO2 max with lactate threshold but they disagree. Perhaps I've misunderstood something about VO2 max?

I think they are misusing the term because the useful application of VO2m for riders with HR moniters is in fact, through LTHR. It is absolute, however as you know, it can be manipulated via training.

Why are they getting it wrong...click here for an answer: "answer"

JMHO...

You are somewhat correct. There are different values of expression for VO2 max. I've had mine tested. The tester takes your exercise intensity up until you max out on oxygen consumption and plateau to get your VO2 number, all the while your HR is climbing. Your HR will reach very close to it's max when you hit the plateau point. The tester gave me both my VO2 number and my max HR (190) based on the test. Perhaps that is what they are referring to?

Your fitness category is dependent upon sex and age. For example, if you are a male aged 30-39 your relative VO2 max to be considered Average is: 38.9-42.3, Abv Avg: 42.4-50.3, and Well Abv Avg: >50.3

This article is very descriptive:

http://www.velonews.com/train/articles/8167.0.html

+1

The problem with heart rate is that it is not absolute. Heart rate is affected by a whole lot of physiological, psychological, and environmental factors.

LT is highly trainable compared to VO2Max, which is trainable when you first start training, but any further advances after that are very hard to accomplish and is determined by genetic factors.

Then, there's aging. VO2Max declines with age. LT can be improved with age, but will always be a fraction of your declining VO2Max.

These physiological "markers" (VO2Max and Lactate Threshold) can be expressed as heart rate for training purposes, but these heart rates are just a snapshot of the instance you were tested.