2.2.15

Discuss the variability of maximal oxygen consumption in selected groups.

Trained > untrained

• Trained will have higher VO₂max levels although training can only increase your VO₂max to a certain point, it is partially due to genetics
• Trained athletes are able to demonstrate their full cardio-respiratory potential, whilst untrained athletes yield fatigued muscles and are only able to reach sub-maximal levels.

Male > female

• Females body composition affects their absolute VO₂max when compared to males (females have a higher fat composition)
• Females also have lower levels of hemoglobin than males
• Heart size scales in proportion to lean body size, so therefore the male heart is usually bigger than the female heart. Stronger pump results in an increase in MAX VO².

AGE

• VO₂max peaks around age 20 for males and mid teens for females
• It is lower during childhood and gradually increases until peak
• It then steadily declines as one ages
• However, a trained 60 year old can have a higher VO₂max than a untrained, overweight 30 year old

Athlete > non-athlete

• Athletes will need less oxygen to be pumped to the muscles because they have better endurance allowing them to go longer without getting as tired.