The maximum rate at which an individual can consume oxygen during intense exercise, measured in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute. It represents the ceiling of aerobic power and is considered the gold standard measure of cardiovascular fitness.
Abbreviation for 'Volume of Oxygen Maximum,' first measured scientifically in the early 1920s by physiologist A.V. Hill. The term became standardized in exercise science by the 1960s as testing equipment and methodology improved.
Cross-country skiers typically have the highest VO2 max values ever recorded - some over 90 ml/kg/min - because skiing uses more muscle mass than any other sport. Surprisingly, VO2 max can only improve about 15-25% through training, but lactate threshold can improve 40% or more, which is why many elite athletes focus more on threshold training!
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