VO2 max

American  

[vee-oh-too maks] / ˈviˌoʊˌtu ˈmæks /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. the maximum volume (V) of oxygen (O2 ) that a particular person's body can absorb and use during intense exercise, measured in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute and often used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness.

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Etymology

Origin of VO2 max

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

VO2 max

Cardio is much more important than lifting because it’s about heart health and VO2 max and making sure your heart is in great condition.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026

Results showed that people with chronic fatigue syndrome took in roughly the same amount of oxygen as the control group -- their peak VO2 max was similar.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 10, 2025

Several studies reported that aerobic capacity, measured by a VO2 max test, remained unchanged after intermittent fasting in elite cyclists and runners, as well as in well-trained long-distance and middle-distance runners.

From Salon ● Apr. 18, 2023

Wheeler spoke with her shortly after she underwent a physiology study of high-altitude athletes focused on their VO2 max, or the maximum amount of oxygen the body can utilize during exercise.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 30, 2022

Bergland assists groups training at altitude by providing physiological testing that monitors red blood cell counts and VO2 max, a measurement of the amount of oxygen an athlete can use.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 24, 2022