Physical Tests for Longevity: VO2 Max
Part one of our 'physical performance test for longevity' mini-series.
This 'physical performance test for longevity' mini-series is sponsored by Mito Health and AVEA Life.
What is VO2 Max?
In simple terms, V stands for volume, O2 stand for oxygen, and max stands for maximum.
VO2 max, therefore, means how much oxygen your body can utilise.
How to Find Out Your VO2 max
The most accurate method:
Use VO2 max testing equipment to measure your gas exchange
Pick an activity to do it up to exhaustion:
Treadmill running, cycling on the stationary bike, rowing, swimming, etc.
Your VO2 max result will be generated by the equipment
The most convenient method:
Use a smart watch or other equation-based methods (e.g. Cooper Test)
Check your smart watch app or use the equation calculator
Important note:
Smartwatches give you a result between 1% to more than 10% inaccuracy, hence they can be useful for estimation, but researchers recommend against using them for sports and health applications (ALLSET had similar results in our testing)
More content about the VO2 max testing process to come; links will be updated here.
Why is VO2 Max the Greatest Predictor of Longevity?
1. Multiple Tests in One
VO2 max is an indication of your:
Likelihood to develop cancer
Cardiovascular health
Metabolic health
Musculoskeletal health
Likelihood to Develop Cancer
Having healthy heart and lungs can protect you against cancer.
A systematic review reported lower risk of any cancer in men with high cardiorespiratory fitness, and a separate cohort study found that cardiorespiratory fitness is linearly associated with a lower hazard of developing most of the site-specific cancers that were assessed.
Key research findings:
Cardiovascular Health
To improve your VO2 max, your heart, blood, and blood vessels, which are parts of your cardiovascular system, need to work together to supply more oxygen to your body.
Improving your cardiovascular fitness have been found to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Key research finding:
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