Question: Is Testing Reliable?

Question

Hello Joe,

I am a 58 year old male cyclist and recently took part in a Vo2 max testing, my question is how reliable are these test?

My question to you is, does the test differ from type of software they use and how they administer the test ?

It was administered by a very reliable fitness tester, in this most recent test my Vo2 max came out to 68.6 with a peak hr of 162.

I have been higher than that on some indoor interval work, peaking at 167 bpm. 18 months ago tested with the same tester and showed a Vo2 max of 156.6 peak hr of 154.

These last results showed a gain of 30 watts from the last test.

Do these numbers seem achievable to you and do you think they are credible ?

Thank you.

JP

Answer

JP,

Thanks for your note. VO2max test results vary as much as race results do. Regarding reliability, there are many “it depends” including how well rested you were, how high your fitness was at the time of the test, warm-up, equipment calibration, protocol, etc. It’s just a number, and not critical to your training at all. The metabolic info that may have been collected is much more valuable, especially if you do long races. Good luck!

Joe

Comments

[John Sasso]

There are certainly differences in Metabolic Measurement Systems, from New Leaf to ParvoMedics to Kosmed. The results given can be extremely variable just in terms of technology and calibration, like Mr Friel said. Also, the method of the test (3min stages, 2min stages, 1min ramp) can influence the amount of time your body has to adapt to each stage, as well as potentially leading to 'peripheral fatigue' before a significant Maximal Aerobic Power through the cardiorespiratory system can be concluded. As well, there are certainly familiarity or learning effects in performing a VO2max test, and your current state of fatigue or readiness will skew your ability to meet the demands of the test. Nevertheless, done well, the reliability of this test is quite good and can provide some excellent, important data, although your actual VO2max itself, may not be the MOST important. Performance prediction, health status, training planning and goal achievement are all great reasons to take an honest look at where your fitness currently stands.

[Ian Hilt]

What is the metabolic info you are referring to?

[Ian Hilt]

What metabolic info should I be looking for in these tests?

[Dorian Wrigley]

Hi Joe, great Blog - Thanks.

Could you go into a bit of detail as to how the VO2Max test marries / correlates with the 30 min lactic threshold hear rate test you use in your Training Bible and the corresponding heart rate zones that you deduce from LTHR.

Should the peak HR at VO2Max correlate with LTHR or are we comparing apples with pears here?

[Joe Friel]

Dorian--VO2max would be achieved in a much shorter all-out test, such as about 5 minutes. For 30 minutes you'll be well below VO2max.

[Joe Friel]

Ian--The ratio of fat to carb usage at various intensities.

[Jordan]

I have another question about VO2 testing. Would you advise young atheletes to take a VO2Max to see what their potential is, before deciding to really commit to trying to 'make it?'

[Joe Friel]

Jordan--No. A VO2max test doesn't tell you anything about potential It tells you current level of aerobic fitness.