VO₂ Master Test
Evolve Integrated Health is the only facility in Nova Scotia with a VO₂ Master to accurately test your VO₂ max in a non invasive and time efficient manner.
The VO₂ Master testing is offered as part of our complete Health & Fitness Assessment and can be booked with our Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Athletic Therapists.
For more information about our assessment, please go here.
What is VO₂ Max?
VO₂ max or maximal oxygen consumption, refers to the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can utilize during intense or maximal exercise.
This measurement is generally considered the best indicator of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. The more oxygen a person can use during high-level exercise, the more energy a person can produce.
This test is the gold standard for determining cardio-respiratory fitness because the muscles need oxygen for prolonged aerobic exercise, and the heart must pump adequate amounts of blood through circulation to meet the demands of aerobic exercise.
Benefits of Improving Your VO₂ Max
- Mortality: When looking at VO₂ max with all-cause mortality, there is a trend. Simply bringing your VO₂ max from ‘low’ (bottom 25th percentile) to ‘below average’ (25th to 50th percentile) is associated with a 50% reduction in all-cause mortality. When you go from ‘low’ to ‘above average’ (50th to 75th percentile) the risk reduction is closer to 70%! All-cause mortality=dying from any cause.
- Health and Longevity: Improving VO₂ max is associated with better overall health and longevity. Research shows that individuals with higher VO₂ max tend to have a lower risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
- Cardiovascular Fitness: A higher VO₂ max is often a marker of better cardiovascular fitness. It reflects your body's ability to deliver oxygen to the muscles, which is crucial for energy production during physical activity. Improved cardiovascular fitness can enhance heart health and reduce the risk of heart-related issues.
- Physical Performance: VO₂ max is a key determinant of athletic performance, particularly in endurance sports. Individuals with higher VO₂ max levels can sustain higher exercise intensities for longer durations, which is beneficial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
- Energy Efficiency: A good VO₂ max indicates that your body is efficient at utilizing oxygen to produce energy. This efficiency can translate to improved stamina, reduced fatigue, and enhanced exercise capacity.
- Better Quality of Life: Having a higher VO₂ max can improve your overall quality of life by making daily activities easier to perform and enhancing your physical capabilities. It can also reduce the risk of experiencing physical limitations as you age.
- Metabolic Benefits: VO₂ max is linked to metabolic health. A higher VO₂ max is often associated with better glucose control, insulin sensitivity, and overall metabolic efficiency, which can contribute to better health and lower disease risk.
- Adaptability: You can train your body to become more adaptable by increasing your VO₂ max. This adaptability can help you handle physical challenges, stressors, and changes in your environment more effectively.
- Longevity and Aging: Research suggests that individuals with a higher VO₂ max tend to age more slowly and experience a longer health span.