Cardiorespiratory Fitness

VO₂max Test

Cardiorespiratory endurance is defined as “the ability to perform large muscle, dynamic exercise for prolonged periods”. This ability depends on the functional state of the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and skeletal muscle systems. A low level of cardiorespiratory endurance is associated with an elevated risk of premature death from all causes. High cardiorespiratory endurance is strongly protective against coronary artery disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States.

The criterion measure of cardiorespiratory endurance is termed Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO₂max). Prior to the VO₂max test, resting heart rate and blood pressure is measured and compared with normal values. The test evaluation is conducted on a treadmill. The test includes a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), which is used to assess your heart function. A metabolic cart is used to evaluate how much oxygen your body can consume during exercise. Thus, an individual with a higher VO₂max can consume more oxygen and has better cardiorespiratory endurance. This evaluation is the best available means to assess cardiorespiratory fitness and allows for comparisons with normative values.

Cost

• $200.00
• We are unable to accept insurance as payment for any of our services.  Payment can be made via credit card on our online portal.

Interested? Next Steps:

• Complete and send all paperwork (medical history and physician clearance form) to Maggie Roe: email to roe.236@osu.edu or fax to 614-688-3432.
• Once we have received your paperwork, we will email you with a booking link to schedule your appointment. Testing appointments are 1 hour. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Testing hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.
• Once you have scheduled your appointment, we will email you the payment link for our online portal.
• Please follow the pre-testing instructions below and arrive at least 5 minutes early. You can find directions here. We have Exercise Science Research reserved parking spaces in the parking lot behind our building. Our staff will meet you at the double doors (on the left when parked looking at the building) to provide a parking hangtag for your car and escort you to our labs for testing.
• *Please note for men, we may need to shave portions of your chest for ECG electrodes.*
• Immediately after your test, you will receive the raw data from the metabolic cart and ECG. You will also receive a comprehensive report from our staff within 5 business days that further explains your results and how you compare to normative values.
• We have changing rooms that include sinks, a private restroom, and private shower. You can use these before and/or after your test if you need to change clothes or take a shower. Shampoo and body wash are provided. Please bring your own towel.

Pre-Testing Instructions for VO₂max Test

• Wear comfortable clothes to exercise in, e.g. shorts, t-shirt, sports bra, and walking/running shoes.
• Abstain from prior eating and drinking (> 4 hours).
• Abstain from prior strenuous exercise (> 24 hours).
• Abstain from prior caffeine ingestion (> 12-24 hours).
• Abstain from prior nicotine use (> 3 hours).
• Abstain from prior alcohol use (> 24 hours).
• Get an adequate amount of sleep (6-8 hours) the night before the test.
• Do not put lotion on your body for at least 3 hours before testing.
• Drink ample fluids over the 24 hour period preceding the exercise test to ensure normal hydration before testing.
• Participants should continue their medication regimen on their usual schedule so that exercise responses will be consistent with responses expected during exercise training.