What determines VO2max according to the Fick equation?

VO2max = HRmax × SVmax × (CaO2 − CvO2)max. The three components are maximal heart rate (~220 − age), maximal stroke volume (highly trainable), and maximal a-vO2 difference (peripheral extraction capacity). Elite athletes improve all three.

What is a typical a-vO2 difference at maximal exercise?

The a-vO2 difference (arteriovenous oxygen difference) increases from ~5 mL/100 mL at rest to ~14–16 mL/100 mL at VO2max in trained athletes. Endurance training enhances peripheral extraction by increasing mitochondrial density and capillary supply.

VO2max from Fick Method Calculator

Estimate VO2max from maximal cardiac output and arteriovenous oxygen difference using the Fick equation. Validate lab-based VO2max measurements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What determines VO2max according to the Fick equation?

What is a typical a-vO2 difference at maximal exercise?