User's Manual

26
A clear link exists between oxygen consumption (VO2) of the body and car-
diorespiratory fitness because oxygen delivery to tissues is dependent on lung and
heart function. VO2
max
(maximal oxygen uptake, maximal aerobic power) is the max-
imal rate at which oxygen can be used by the body during maximal work; it is related dir-
ectly to the maximal capacity of the heart to deliver blood to the muscles. VO2
max
can
be measured or predicted by fitness tests (e.g. maximal tests, submaximal tests, Polar
Fitness Test). VO2
max
is a good index of cardiorespiratory fitness and a good predictor
of performance capability in aerobic events such as distance running, cycling, cross-
country skiing, and swimming.
VO2
max
can be expressed either as milliliters per minute (ml/min = ml ■ min-1) or this
value can be divided by the person’s body weight in kilograms (ml/kg/min = ml ■ kg-1■
min-1).
The relationship between oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) is linear within an
individual during dynamic exercise. Percentages of VO
2max
can be changed to % of
HR
max
with the following formula: %HR
max
= (%VO2
max
+ 28.12)/1.28.
VO2
max
is the basic variable of the intensity of exercise. When determining target exer-
cise intensities heart rate is more practical and useful because it is easily and non-
invasively obtained, e.g. on-line during exercise with heart rate monitors.