The key difference between VO2 max and VO2 peak is that VO2 max is a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise, while VO2 peak is the highest amount of oxygen consumed at peak exercise.
In aerobic fitness, exercise capacity is often quantified by measuring the maximum oxygen consumption of an individual in one minute per kilogram of body weight (ml/kg/min). Both VO2 max and VO2 peak are reported measures of aerobic fitness, but they are not interchangeable. VO2 max strictly refers to the highest attainable oxygen consumption for the entire body, while VO2 peak is contextual. For instance, during exercises involving small muscle masses, the highest achievable VO2 value is considerably lower than the VO2 max, and in such cases, it is referred to as VO2 peak.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is VO2 Max
3. What is VO2 Peak
4. Similarities – VO2 Max and VO2 Peak
5. VO2 Max vs. VO2 Peak in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – VO2 Max and VO2 Peak
7. Summary – VO2 Max vs. VO2 Peak
What is VO2 Max?
VO2 max is the amount of oxygen the body uses while exercising as hard as one can. VO2 max measures how efficiently the body utilizes oxygen. Therefore, knowing VO2 max can help people measure fitness and improve heart health over time. VO2 max can be determined by visiting a lab and estimating it through mathematical calculations or specialized tools.
VO2 max is a measure of fitness level; however, it does not paint the entire health picture of the body. This measurement can be expensive as well. Furthermore, VO2 max can be improved through high-intensity training and low-intensity training, such as running, biking, hiking, and rowing.
What is VO2 Peak?
VO2 peak is the highest value of VO2 (the amount of oxygen the body can absorb from the bloodstream) attained during a specific test, such as an incremental or other high-intensity test designed to push individuals to their tolerance limits. It is typically easier to define and determine. However, its relevance to physiological and pathophysiological functioning is less certain.
During whole-body exercise, VO2 peak often equals VO2 max. However, during exercises involving small muscle masses, like using an arm ergometer, the VO2 peak is lower than the VO2 max. Furthermore, VO2 peak can be measured when a participant walks or runs on a treadmill until voluntary exhaustion.
What are the Similarities Between VO2 Max and VO2 Peak?
- VO2 max and VO2 peak are both reported measures of aerobic fitness.
- They are often used interchangeably by mistake.
- The value of the VO2 peak can be used to detect VO2 max.
- Both can be detected through lab tests.
What is the Difference Between VO2 Max and VO2 Peak?
VO2 max is a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise, while VO2 peak is the highest amount of oxygen consumed at peak exercise. Thus, this is the key difference between VO2 max and VO2 peak. Furthermore, VO2 max can be determined through laboratory tests or math equations. On the other hand, VO2 peaks can only be determined through laboratory tests.
The infographic below presents the differences between VO2 max and VO2 peak in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
FAQ: VO2 Max and VO2 Peak
What is the peak VO2 level?
The average untrained healthy male and female have a V̇O2 max of approximately 35–40 mL/(kg min) and 27–31 mL/(kg min), respectively.
Why is VO2 peak important?
VO2 peak is important because this value helps you train for sports, track your fitness improvement, and improve your heart health.
How do you calculate VO2 peak?
VO2 peak can be measured using an open-circuit spirometer during a maximal exercise test.
Summary – VO2 Max vs. VO2 Peak
In aerobic tests, VO2 max and VO2 peak are two measures that are often mistakenly and interchangeably used. VO2 max is the amount of oxygen the body uses while exercising as hard as one can. On the other hand, VO2 peak is the highest value of VO2 attained in a specific test, such as an incremental or other high-intensity test designed to push individuals to their tolerance limits. So, this summarizes the difference between VO2 max and VO2 peak.
Reference:
1. Jewell, Tim. “Everything to Know about Vo₂ Max.” Healthline, Healthline Media.
2. DM; James DV; Sandals LE; Draper SB; Wood. “Relationship between Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Oxygen Uptake Attained during Treadmill Middle-Distance Running.” Journal of Sports Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Ergospirometry laboratory” By Cosmed – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Polar VO2Max Chart” By voxeros (CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED) via Flickr