VO2 Max Testing | Sunshine Coast
What is VO2 Max Testing?
A VO2 max test determines your body’s maximum ability to take up, transport and utilise oxygen. A VO2 max score is the measurement of Cardiorespiratory fitness which directly relates to functional capacity and human performance. Basically, it determines how much work/power output your body can complete aerobically; a higher value indicating that more work can be done.
VO2 Max is a key performance indicator for endurance sports such as triathlons, cycling, running, swimming and rowing. In addition, your VO2 max is also a key predictor of health and longevity.
Why should I test my VO2 Max?
A larger VO2 max directly correlates to better performance. Therefore, if you engage in endurance events that last longer than 2 minutes, your VO2 test is particularly important.
The more energy we can create with oxygen, the less fatiguing lactic acid we create. Improving your VO2 max will enable you to work at a higher intensity for longer.
Your VO2 test will help you:
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LEARN your individualised heart rate/ventilatory thresholds and power/pace training zones
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MAXIMISE your training effectiveness (Learn to train your energy systems to improve VO2 max and performance)
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IDENTIFY your physiological strengths and weaknesses (and how to turn your weaknesses into strengths)
How much does a VO2 and Lactate Test cost?
VO2 MAX TEST
$200
For runners, cyclists, triathletes or team sport athletes
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VO2 Max is the maximum or optimum rate at which the heart, lungs, and muscles can effectively use oxygen during exercise, used as a way of measuring a person’s individual aerobic capacity.
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The more oxygen your body can take in and utilise, the more efficient you are going to be aerobically.
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Lactate testing optional*
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Training zones identified- understand what heart rate to train at during long slow distance runs, tempo runs, steady runs and speed sessions - maximise your training and performance!
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Detailed Report and Suggested training
VO2 MAX and LACTATE TESTING
$300
For runners, cyclists, triathletes or team sport athletes
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Determine your Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation (OBLA) value.
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This is the point at which the body can sustain a particular effort for 20-60 minutes
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From this, your lactate training zone can be determined i.e. what heart rate you should train at, before lactate interferes with speed, performance and endurance
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Learn how to train to run at faster speeds, without raising your blood lactate above your initially calculated levels (i.e. increase your speed and endurance capacity)
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Detailed report and suggested training
Other Frequently Asked Questions about VO2 Max and Lactate Testing
Whats involved with the V02max assessment?
Before your assessment, you will be sent all instructions including the testing protocol so that you can familiarise yourself with it. You will be required to wear a mask and heart rate monitor which is connected to a small machine. This measures the contents of your breath throughout the assessment. First, you will stand and breathe normally to calibrate the machine. The assessment starts off relatively easily, and gets progressively harder every 3 minutes. Continue running as long as you can, when you can no longer continue, you can jump to the sides of the treadmill or press stop.
If you have chosen to have your lactate threshold tested, every 3 minutes we will take a sample of blood through a pin prick in your finger. Usually we only need to prick your finger once or twice, as your increasing heart rate will keep the blood in the area and we are able to continue collecting the sample from the one spot.
The running component is only about 10-20 minutes, but budget to be with us for 45-60 minutes.
Whats does my V02max tell me?
Knowing your training zones is important for endurance performance, training, energy efficiency in training and competition, fat burning and to make sure you are getting the most out of your training. Relying on the training zones on your watch is okay, but these are determined only by your heart rate. Everyone is different, so understanding your unique aerobic capacity and training zones is the best way to determine and implement the most specific and efficient training program for you. The V02max assessment will also indicate what fuel you are predominantly using (i.e. fats or carbs) and whether this is efficient for the type of training or racing you are doing.
What is Blood Lactate Testing and why would I want it?
Lactate is the byproduct of glucose utilisation by muscle cells. Lactate is commonly associated with burning muscles, and reduced performance. Before your muscles reach this stage, oxygen is utilised to turn oxygen into glucose for energy.
If you choose to have your lactate content assessed, you will find out the maximum heart rate or maximal effort/ intensity that you can maintain for an extended period of time without lactate leaving your muscles and "overflowing" into your bloodstream, causing a decrease in muscle contraction capacity, which causes that 'heavy legs', and possibly nauseous feeling you have mostly likely felt during high intensity training. Knowing your lactate threshold can identify what training you need to do to increase your speed and endurance before lactate affects performance.
Lactate testing is probably the best way to assess muscle performance, especially in endurance athletes. It is also an excellent parameter to prescribe individual exercise training zones for athletes. Among those training zones “lactate threshold” is that special training zone we all want to train and improve. Training in Zone 2 improves lactate clearance capacity by increasing the number of mitochondria (energy producers in the muscle) which can 'turn' lactate into energy. The only way to directly measure lactate threshold is by doing blood lactate testing.
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Where is your Noosaville Exercise Physiology Clinic?If you are in search of an Exercise Physiologist on the Sunshine Coast, you can find our dedicated team at Bushlands Shopping Centre. Turn right at the first roundabout on Beckmans Rd and our Exercise Physiology Clinic is located at Shop 4, 6 Swanbourne Way Noosaville. We are located inside the beautiful Noosa Mind and Body Allied Health Hub. There is plenty of parking (35 car spots). The other shops at the centre include Chada Thai, Noosaville Hair, Liquor Land, Noosaville Bakery and Cafe, and Sunshine and Co Pilates. Exercise Matters Clinic is a very short drive from Noosa and the surrounding suburbs, making it a convenient choice for anyone looking for an Exercise Physiologist on the Sunshine Coast. Book online today or contact us at 5448 3532.
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What does an Exercise Physiologist Do?Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP) are university qualified allied health professionals. An Exercise Physiologist specialises in prescribing exercise as a medicine to treat chronic health conditions and injuries. At Exercise Maters, we specalise in treating musculoskeletal and neurological issues. Exercise Matters is the premier Exercise Physiology Clinic on the Sunshine Coast. Exercise Matters is a full service Exercise Physiology clinic dedicated to providing comprehensive care for health needs and injury rehabilitation. Our team of Exercise Physiologists are experts in restoring peak physical function through exercise programmes tailored to meet each individual's needs. Servicing the Noosa and Sunshine Coast region, our Exercise Physiologists will help client understand how exercise can help them reach their goals. As an Exercise Physiologist Clinic in Noosaville, our comprehensive range of treatments includes: Chronic Back Pain: Non-specific lower back pain (chronic or recurrent); Disc Bulges; Degenerative disc disease (DDD); Facet joint syndrome; Sacroiliac joint dysfunction; Spondylolisthesis; Sciatica; Persistent pain post-spinal fusion or laminectomy; Bones: Pain following vertebral fractures; Osteoporosis, Osteopenia. Neurological: Stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Functional Neurological Disorder, Muscular Dystrophy and Acquired Brain Injuries. Hip: Hip osteoarthritis, Labral tears, Gluteal tendinopathy, Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), Trochanteric bursitis, Ischial bursitis; Piriformis syndrome (sciatic nerve compression), Pre and Post hip surgery rehab. Knee: Pre and Post Knee Surgery Rehab, Patellar tendinopathy ("jumper’s knee"), Quadriceps tendinopathy, Knee Osteoarthritis, Chondromalacia patellae; Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), Pes anserinus bursitis, Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS or “runner’s knee”), ACL Rehab, Meniscus Rehab. Ankle: Lateral ankle sprains rehab, Achilles tendinopathy, Plantar fasciitis, Shin splints. Shoulder: Pre and Post Shoulder Surgery Rehab, Rotator Cuff tears, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis), Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, Labral Tears, AC Joint Dysfunction (Acromioclavicular Joint), Shoulder Joint Osteoarthritis. Thoracic: Postural Imbalances, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Thoracic Spine Pain, Facet Joint Dysfunction. Cervical: Cervical Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis); Cervical Radiculopathy, Tension Neck Syndrome, Cervical Stenosis, Muscle Imbalances, Cervical Facet Joint Dysfunction, Cervical Migraine. Women’s Health: Pre- and post-natal care, Pelvic floor dysfunction, Postpartum Recovery, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), Perimenopause, Menopause, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), Diastasis Recti.
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How to select between a Noosa Physio and Exercise Physiologist?Physio and Exercise Physiologist's are both allied health professionals, and there is often a cross-over in the patients we treat. However, the simplest way to examine the difference is that Physio's are best for treating acute injuries and use hands-on massage as a treatment approach. If you have just injuried yourself, then a Physio is the best health professional to book in with. If you have had an issue lasting longer than 6 weeks, then an Exercise Physiologist is the best health professional to manage the issue.
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Best Massage Therapist in Noosa?As an Exercise Physiology clinic in Noosa, we don't offer massage as a treatment. Instead, we use exercise to treat, to provide long-term relief from pain and not just short-term symptom relief. We get asked daily about the best massage therapist in Noosa and the surrounding suburbs, so here are some we recommend: Kimberly Coppola: https://www.whitecoat.com.au/directory/practitioner/remedial-massage-therapist/qld/noosa-heads/ms-kimberley-coppola/149365/940 Liam Walsh https://thrivemindandbody.com.au/ Cache Carpenter https://www.thebodycarpentermassage.com/ Cam Petrie https://kneadamassagenoosa.com.au/#Home