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The measurement of the body's oxygen consumption (VO₂) is commonly used in fitness testing. It is the measure of the amount of oxygen that is being consumed by the body to produce energy. Oxygen consumption can be measured at rest (basal metabolic rate or BMR), during exercise as measuring exercise economy, and at maximum effort (VO_2max) as a measure of total aerobic capacity.

The most accurate way of determining VO₂ is by measurement in the laboratory. This is actually the gold standard of aerobic fitness assessment. Testing in a laboratory is expensive and time consuming, and is not available for all athletes. There are alternative methods such as estimating through sub-maximal and maximal fitness tests, and by using other formula.

Laboratory Methods

• Measuring VO_2maxin the laboratory using indirect calorimetry.
• Measuring Basal Metabolic Rate by using indirect calorimetry.

Sub-maximal Tests

• Calculating VO_2max from stepping exercise tests.
• You can calculate a VO2max score from the Cooper 12 minute run test
• The Rockport Walk Test results can be converted to VO2max

Maximal Tests

• The beep test results can be converted to VO_2max values

Formula

• Non-Exercise Fitness Test — determining VO_2max using regression equations.

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Related Pages

• Procedure for measuring VO_2max
• Measuring Oxygen Consumption by Indirect Calorimetry
• About the Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER)
• Adult VO_2max norm values.
• Direct calorimetry method, for resting metabolism measurement.
• Videos of VO_2max Tests being performed.
• Methods for heart rate measurement, if heart rate measurement is also required.
• Ratings of Perceived Exertion Scale if you want to quantify effort during the test.