How is VO2 reserve calculated?

How is VO2 reserve calculated?

• A. VO2reserve = VO2max - VO2rest.
• B. VO2reserve is a percentage of VO2max.
• C. VO2reserve equals resting VO2.
• D. VO2reserve is used to calculate lactate threshold.

Answer: (A)

VO2 reserve represents the portion of oxygen uptake available above resting needs. It is calculated by subtracting resting VO2 from maximal VO2. In formula form: VO2 reserve = VO2max − VO2rest. This difference is what exercise prescription uses to set intensity, often by multiplying the reserve by a desired intensity and then adding the resting VO2 to get a target VO2. For example, with VO2max 45 ml/kg/min and resting VO2 5 ml/kg/min, the reserve is 40 ml/kg/min, and a given intensity would be calculated from that value plus the resting amount. It’s not a percentage of VO2max, it’s not equal to resting VO2, and it’s not a direct calculation for lactate threshold.

VO2 reserve represents the portion of oxygen uptake available above resting needs. It is calculated by subtracting resting VO2 from maximal VO2.

In formula form: VO2 reserve = VO2max − VO2rest.

This difference is what exercise prescription uses to set intensity, often by multiplying the reserve by a desired intensity and then adding the resting VO2 to get a target VO2. For example, with VO2max 45 ml/kg/min and resting VO2 5 ml/kg/min, the reserve is 40 ml/kg/min, and a given intensity would be calculated from that value plus the resting amount.

It’s not a percentage of VO2max, it’s not equal to resting VO2, and it’s not a direct calculation for lactate threshold.