VO2max Testing

The measurement of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) is indicative of an athlete’s ability to utilize his or her most efficient metabolic energy source, oxidative metabolism (the “aerobic” system).

For an accurate VO2max test the blood delivery capacity of the heart must be maximally stressed. Athletes must exercise through increasing workloads, often up to a point of exhaustion and until several specific physiological parameters are reached. Most tests are completed within 8 to 12 minutes.

The Mammoth Performance Lab uses a ParvoMedics TrueOne 2400 Metabolic Analyzer for all VO2max testing. This is the only system that has been validated at altitude, and is the same system used by the United States Olympic Training Centers.

We adhere to American College of Sports Medicine standards and guidelines for exercise testing.

An EKG and/or physician’s clearance may be required prior to testing if contraindications to exercise testing are present.