Oxygen Uptake

Question 1

What is the difference between absolute and relative VO2/VO2 max?

Answer 1

Absolute (L/min):

• Actual amount of oxygen consumed by the muscles per minute.
• Increased muscle mass will be an advantage for ‘absolute VO2’.
• Eg; VO2 max test. LBJ = 6L. Curry = 5L.

Relative (ml/kg/min):
- Allows to compare other athletes.

Example:

• LeBron - 113kg. Curry - 86kg.
• VO2 max test; LBJ = 6L Curry = 5L
• LBJ; 6000ml/113kg = Relative = 53ml/kg/min.
• Curry; 5000ml/86kg = Relative = 58ml/kg/min.