VO2 Max Testing

Mickey has to be able to push his body to its limits without 'burning out'.

He is helped in the sports science laboratory by VO2 Max testing .

Mickey's race chair is put on rollers where he pushes at increasing speeds. As he pushes, his oxygen intake, carbon dioxide out put, number of breaths per minute and heart rate is measured via a face mask and a heart rate monitor attached to his chest.

Blood samples are also taken every three minutes, to measure lactic acid and glucose levels.

Fitness can be measured by the volume of oxygen (VO2 ) you can consume while exercising at your maximum capacity. VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen in millilitres, one can use in one minute per kilogram of body weight. Those who are fit have higher VO2 max values and can exercise more intensely than those who are not as well conditioned.