VO2 TESTING
Direct measurement of expired O2 and CO2, along with blood lactate,
are used to determine individualized training ranges for athletes. EKG monitoring
throughout the test enhances safety and accuracy. Testing can be done on the
treadmill, stationary bike, or your own bike.
What are the benefits of VO2 testing?
Knowing your VO2 max is nice and can be good for bragging rights, but what really matters is learning your lactate threshold. Once you know the heart rate at which your body can no longer buffer the lactate produced by metabolism, you can adjust your training zones to get the most out of your workouts and in turn, produce better race performance!
Why EKGs during VO2 testing?
EKG monitoring is standard in your VO2 test at UNC Wellness Performance Center.
Your EKG will be reviewed by a clinician before, during and after your test. The EKG can help detect a number of heart problems, including:
- A heart attack that is happening in the present, or scar tissue from one that happened in the past
- A heart beat that is too fast, too slow, or irregular. There are various types of arrhythmias with characteristic EKG patterns
- Delays in transmission of electrical signals in the heart. These may suggest heart block or long QT syndrome
While an EKG-monitored test is a good indicator of the health of your heart, a normal EKG does not rule out serious heart disease. For example, arrhythmias may come and go, with normal EKG patterns between episodes. Although the EKG reveals valuable information about the electrical system of the heart, it tells us little about the condition of the heart valves. All heart test occasionally give us false information. If you have symptoms that you think may be related to your heart, consult your physician before considering a VO2 test.
Cost: $200-$250
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