For example, a decline in VO 2max over time has been linked to incident hypertension, stroke and dementia. Not only the absolute level of VO 2max, but also longitudinal intra-individual change in VO 2max, is highly relevant to assess. The estimation of VO 2max from the revised EB test is derived from sex-specific prediction equations, which include age, ∆HR/∆PO, ∆PO, and HR at standard work rate as independent variables. More recently, the Ekblom-Bak test (EB test) was presented, which estimates VO 2max from the relation between change in HR (∆HR) in response to an increase in work rate (power output, PO) from a low, standard work rate to a higher, individually chosen work rate (ΔHR/ΔPO).

One of the first and most popular submaximal cycle test is the Åstrand test, where the prediction of VO 2max is based on the steady-state heart rate (HR) response to one single work rate. Many of these submaximal tests are executed on cycle ergometers. This limits the assessment of VO 2max in the general population or in large scale settings, and therefore submaximal exercise tests are commonly used. Though, golden standard for VO 2max assessment includes direct measurements of VO 2max performed with expensive laboratory equipment and require a maximal physical effort from the subject. In a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, the inclusion of measurement of VO 2max in clinical practice is urged for to provide the clinicians with vital possibilities to improve patient risk management and health. It has also been linked to several health-related outcomes, with a low capacity being strongly associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, the metabolic syndrome, a negative influence on cognitive function, and more recently, severe Covid-19. VO 2max is the highest possible rate of oxygen consumption during a physically intense whole-body activity, and an important factor for many types of physical performance. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver ( ) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data.Ĭardiorespiratory fitness is an expression of the capacity of the pulmonary and circulatory systems and can be assessed through measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2max). If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder.

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Monark cycle ergometer