Lab 6: VO2 Max

Amanda King
October 18, 2019
Monday 9:10am Lab
Introduction:

Energy can be defined as the strength and vitality required for a sustained physical
activity. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are substrate sources that allow the body to fuel and
create energy based upon those sources. Carbohydrates are specifically used as an energy source
and is needed in order to perform exercise. Most of carbohydrate energy comes from active
muscles, and is used during moderate to high intensity exercises. When performing low intensity
exercises, the body uses fat in order to fuel for energy. And lastly, when taking part in a
prolonged endurance activity, the body will make use of protein to give off energy. In order for
the body to use these sources for energy, ATP is created in either two ways, anaerobic or aerobic.
Anaerobic energy is phosphocreatine that is used to help rebuild ATP from ADP without the use
of oxygen, therefore, used for a short period of time. Whereas, aerobic energy is used from
glycolysis and uses oxygen in order to function for a longer duration. When exercise is being
completed, access to oxygen or not is depended on duration of the activity when deciding which
process of energy will take place.
VO2 is the volume of oxygen consumed per minute VCO2 is the amount of carbon
dioxide produced per minute. One’s VO2 max is determined when completing an exercise until
exhaustion and will show one’s limit. The ration of O2 to CO2 determines whether one is using
more fat or more carbohydrates to exert energy.
In physical education, there will be a need to understand and be knowledgeable of
sources that fuel energy in order to perform to the best of one’s ability in a physical education
class. Students will need to know that the sources they put into their bodies will affect their
energy based upon the exertion and duration of the physical activity being performed.

Purpose, Background:
The goal of this lab was to test an individual’s VO2 max. VO2 max can be defined as the
maximal volume of oxygen consumed per minute recorded in ml/kg/min. VO2 is important to
test because it will determine the bodies lungs, heart, blood and muscle capabilities. In addition,
performing this test will allow one to know their maximum output, the point at which they can
no longer give any more and have reached complete exhaustion. One thing VO2max relies upon
is lung limit, getting oxygen from the air that is inhaled into the blood which is going through the
lungs. This lab allowed the class to determine the efficiency of the individual’s lungs and heart.
By the individual completing this test, it was able to show the inhaling, exhaling on the transfer
of O2 in and CO2 out. In addition, this test determined the individuals heart rate, which can be
defined as the amount of contractions per minute, as the test duration increases, heart rate would
as well. As the test continues, the heart continues to contract at a higher pace, and blood is
continuing to pump through the muscles and lungs at an increasing rate. The test that was
performed for this lab mimicked the Bruce Treadmill Protocol. The individual was put on a
treadmill with an increase in slope and speed from moderate to maximal power throughout the
course of it. And based upon results this test will be able to determine the intensity of the
individual’s cardiovascular wellness level.
Respiratory Exchange Ratio also known as (RER) is the ratio of carbon dioxide produced to
the amount of oxygen consumed. VCO2 is the volume of carbon dioxide produced per minute,
whereas, VO2 is the volume of oxygen consumed per minute. And RER can be determined by
ones VCO2/VO2. If the outcome is less than approximately .7 one would be considered to be
using more fat as energy. Whereas, if one was closer to approximately 1, it is shown that that
individual is working at a higher intensity, using primarily carbohydrates for energy. Based upon
the individuals RER, one can infer whether or not the subject was working at a high intensity and
determine what source of substrate they were using for fuel. In addition, ones RPE which is also
known as rate of perceived exertion can define an individual’s working rate. Throughout the test,
each interval the subject has to point to chart to show what level of exertion they were
experiencing. This allows for a better understanding of how hard the individual is pushing
themselves throughout the test as intensity increases.

Hypothesis:
The Bruce Protocol Treadmill is a test that is conducted to test the VO2max and overall
fitness of an individual. Most of the time, this is completed to test an athlete’s lung capabilities
and overall fitness level. With the use of the face mask, nose clamp and computer monitor it
allows for a better representation of the individuals current status on VO2 and heart rate as the
testing continues. The Bruce Protocol consists of multiple stages for every three minutes, as the
stage increases, the speed and incline of the treadmill increase as well. And based upon that, with
 the increase of speed and incline, it will force an individual to work their body harder, which will
force their hearts to pump faster eventually leading to higher heart rate and VO2. Therefore, by
the end of the test, the individuals heart rate and VO2 will continually increase throughout each
stage due to the intensity of the test increasing.
Materials:
- Bruce Treadmill
- VO2 Face Mask
- Nose clamp
- Computer Monitor Display
- Heart Rate Monitor
- RPE Scale poster
- O2 Tank

Procedure:
1. VO2 face mask and O2 tank connecting to competitor monitor; calibrating all
technology
2. Put together face mask
3. Individual put on face mask and heart rate monitor with petroleum jelly
4. Client information determined (age, height, weight)
5. Individual starts warmup on treadmill for 5 minutes before beginning the test
6. Students in the class assigned jobs such as recording heart rate, VO2, increasing
treadmill incline, increasing treadmill speed, keeping track of time and lastly one
person holding up the RPE board while other records the RPE
7. The test now begins and every 3 minutes from this point will go up a stage
8. Incline and speed will increase with each stage every 3 minutes based upon Brue
Treadmill Protocol
9. The computer monitor updates every 30 seconds allowing those students to either
record the information they were assigned to or increase speed and incline of the
treadmill
10. The test is continuous until the individual reaches’ exhaustion or if at any point feels
uncomfortable and wants to end
 11. The individual ended the test at approximately 12 minutes, where heart rate reached
163 bpm and VO2 reached 39.3 ml/kg/min
12. All data recorded was taken down and delivered to the entire class

Bruce Treadmill Protocol

Speed Grade
Stage Duration
(mph) (%)
1 0:00-2:59 1.7 10
2 3:00-5:59 2.5 12
3 6:00-8:59 3.4 14
4 9:00-11:59 4.2 16
5 12:00-14:59 5.0 18
6 15:00-17:59 5.5 20
7 18:00-20:59 6.0 22
8 21:00-23:59 6.5 24

Data Table and Graphs:

Time Heart Rate Rate of Perceived Exertion VO2 (ml/kg/min)
(bpm) (RPE)
0:00 85 bpm 6 6.9 ml/kg/min
3:00 99 bpm 10 17.9 ml/kg/min
6:00 123 bpm 11 24.3 ml/kg/min
9:00 143 bpm 13 28.4 ml/kg/min
12:00 163 bpm 16 39.3 ml/kg/min

Time Ended (min : sec): ____12:07min_________

Highest reached VO2 : __41.6 ml/kg/min ______

 RPE vs. VO2 (ml/kg/min)
45
40
35 f(x) = 3.24 x − 12.93
R² = 0.99
VO2 (ml/kg/min)

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Rate of Percieved Exertion (RPE )

Heart Rate (bpm) vs. VO2 (ml/kg/min)

45
40
35 f(x) = 0.37 x − 22.24
R² = 0.96
VO2 (ml/kg/min)

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170
Heart Rate (bpm)

Discussion:
The Bruce Treadmill Protocol test was conducted to determine an individual’s maximal
oxygen consumption. The individual set up by properly putting on the face mask, heart rate
monitor and nose clamp to ensure that the data would be represented and collected accurately.
Before the test began, the individual did a 5 minute warm up to ensure the muscles were lose and
ready to increase the intensity. During that time students that were assigned jobs to record the
data being collected got into position and ready to begin the test. Once the test began, it went by
3 minute intervals. As each interval continued, the new stage was started, increasing the speed
and incline of the treadmill, which increased the intensity for the individual. The intervals were
increased for approximately 12 minutes until the individual could not participate any longer.
After the individual had the chance to warm up, heart rate was 85bpm with a VO2 of 6.9
ml/kg/min. At 3 minutes into the test which according the Bruce Treadmill Protocol is stage 2,
the individuals heart rate was 99bpm, with an RPE of 10 and VO2 of 17.9 ml/kg/min. As the test
continued onto the next interval, heart rate was 123bpm with an RPE of 11 and VO2 of 24.3
ml/kg/min. As the individual went onto the ninth minute, heart rate showed 143bpm with an RPE
of 13 and VO2 of 28.4 ml/kg/min. And lastly, the twelfth minute of the test, heart rate was at
163bpm with an RPE of 16 and VO2 of 39.3 ml/kg/min. the test was fully completed at 12:07
minutes when the individual reached a peak VO2 max of 41.6 ml/kg/min. During that time the
individual hit the red button on the treadmill to finally conclude the test due to complete
exhaustion.
Due to the fact that it was the first time conducting this test as a class, there was plenty of room
for potential error. One error being, technology. For the first 5 minutes the individual was on the
treadmill, a cord was not connected to the computer monitor properly, because it was not
showing any sign of activity. For example, the individual was walking on the treadmill and had
no sign of heart rate or VO2, yes, the subject might have been at an extremely low pace,
however, there should have been some sort of sign of activity considering they were participating
in activity. Another source of error was the face mask and O2 tube. At one point of the test, the
individual had to take it off for a quick moment due to the fact that the tube had gotten blocked.
Because the tube got blocked and the individual had a nose clamp on, there was no air passage
for the subject to breathe. Technically, there should be at no point any time the subject takes off
the mask, because it will affect the data being collected constantly, however, since there was no
possible way to breathe, it had to be done. Although the mask came off for a few seconds, data
may have been affected, however, it was not off long enough to have a tremendous effect of the
results of the test performed. Another possible source of error is the environment. The
environment and condition of an area someone is conducting this test plays a role in their
capabilities and results. The temperature and or distractions of the room can determine whether a
person can perform for a longer duration or not. If the room is too hot or cold it affects a person’s
body and their abilities to perform for a certain duration. In addition, there is one person on a
treadmill in a room with approximately 18 other students. There is a great amount of source of
potential distraction in a situation like that. Lastly, a person’s diet, hydration and attire can also
affect the performance results of a test like this. For example, someone that is properly supplying
their body with nutrients and essential foods they need will perform better than someone who is
not. In addition, the subject was not wearing supportive sneakers for a cardiovascular test and
was dressed in sweatpants and a sweatshirt. If the subject was dressed properly in shorts, t shirt
and supportive, comfortable running sneakers, data could have showed a better performance. In
order to avoid these sources of error, make sure all technology and materials are properly
equipped before-hand, ensure the individual performing has supplied their body with fluids and
proper foods, and lastly, set the room to an adequate temperature with minimal distractions set
up around.
The individual was able to complete this test for approximately 12 minutes and 7 seconds and
ended with a VO2 max of 41.6 ml/kg/min. At the end of the test, the individual had to conclude
the test due to reaching peak VO2 as well as reaching the point of complete exhaustion. The test
did in fact indicate that as the stages, incline and speed increased, the subjects heart rate and
VO2 would increase as well. For example, at the start of the test heart rate was recorded at 85
bpm with a VO2 of 6.9 ml/kg/min, and at the end of the test had a heart rate of 163bpm and a
VO2 of 39.3 ml/kg/min. This test first handily showed that are the intensity of an exercise
increases, it forces the heart to pump blood faster throughout the body, which leads to an
increase in heart rate as well as VO2. Based upon that, it can be said that this test was in fact
successful by seeing the higher rates of heart rate and VO2 of the individual from start to finish.

Questions:

1. Some of the requirements or criteria to determine if an individual has reached their “true
max” when doing a VO2 max test are:
a. Peak or plateau in VO2 max
b. Peak or plateau in Heart Rate
c. R value of 1.10 or greater
d. Volitional exhaustion
e. Plasma blood lactate levels greater than 14 mmol/liter
f. RPE = to or greater than 18
2. In order for a VO2 max test to be considered a “true max” test, three of the six must
happen.
3. The average resting VO2 value in ml/kg/min for men and women is 3.5 ml/kg/min
4. The average maximum VO2 value in ml/kg/min for college men is 42 ml/kg/min and a
college woman is 38 ml/kg/mi.
5. The RER value is the respiratory exchange ratio and represents the ratio of carbon
dioxide produced to oxygen consumed. When the body is at rest is primarily uses fat,
which falls at ~.7 on the scale. Whereas, when the body is performing high intensity
exercise it is primarily using carbohydrates it will fall at ~1 on the scale. The “R” value
will be determined based upon the intensity and duration of an exercise and the equation
R= VCO2/VO2 can be used to figure it out.
6. The RER value for an individual with a VCO2 value of 4233ml and a VO2 value of
3500ml would have an R value of 4233ml/ 3500ml= 1.2ml.
7. Based upon question #6, the individual’s R value is greater than 1, therefore, is
performing at very high intensity of exercise and using carbohydrates in order to fuel that
energy.
8. Based upon Bailys results, he reached his VO2 max at approximately 12-13 minutes into
the test.
9. According to the data, the individual did not necessarily meet three of the six criteria in
order to determine a “true” max test. The test ended at 12 minutes and 7 seconds, and
recorded a final max VO2 of 41.6 ml/kg/min. Although he did not meet the other criteria
based upon the data, he went until complete exhaustion. Baily could not perform any
more than he did, his muscles reached final exhaustion and could not give anymore. The
individual felt uncomfortable in during the lab and was allowed to stop at any point,
therefore during that point he hit the red button. Although, the individual might not have
met three of the criteria, his heart and oxygen levels were not at the absolute “true max”,
but his muscles could not perform the exercise at the high intensity level anymore.