Criteria for maximal oxygen uptake: review and commentary

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Cardiorespiratory Fitness Assessment

Background:

• Historically, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) measurement relied on criteria like plateauing oxygen uptake, elevated blood lactate, high respiratory exchange ratio, and estimated maximal heart rate.
• These traditional criteria were often established using discontinuous exercise test protocols, frequently conducted over multiple days.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical basis and current application of VO2max achievement criteria.
• To evaluate the relevance of traditional VO2max criteria to contemporary continuous graded exercise test protocols.
• To highlight inconsistencies in terminology and practice regarding VO2max measurement.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical and current research on VO2max criteria.
• Analysis of the application of established VO2max criteria in published studies.
• Discussion of the historical development and evolution of VO2max testing protocols.

Main Results:

• Many traditional VO2max criteria originated from discontinuous testing protocols.
• Current research and practice exhibit variability in adhering to and reporting these criteria.
• Significant questions exist regarding the applicability of historical criteria to modern continuous exercise testing.

Conclusions:

• Traditional VO2max criteria may be less relevant for modern continuous graded exercise tests.
• Inconsistent application and terminology surrounding VO2max measurement persist.
• Further standardization is needed for accurate and comparable VO2max assessments in contemporary exercise science.