Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance 9th Edition by Scott Powers, Edward Howley

Exercise 2

Define maximal oxygen uptake. Why might relative  max be the single most important factor in predicting distance running success in a heterogeneous group of runners?

Step 1 of 2

British scientist A.V. Hill used VO₂ max as a parameter for exercise testing. According to him VO₂ max (maximal oxygen uptake) is “the highest oxygen uptake that an individual can obtain during exercise using large muscle groups.”

The measurement of VO₂ max has been considered the test of choice to predict success in endurance vents such as distance running. Relative VO₂ max which is expressed in has been considered the single most important factor to predict distance running success in heterogeneous group of athletes.