Question

A 55-kg man trains on a cycle ergometer by pedaling at 60 rpm against a resistance of 1.5 kg. What is his absolute VO2?

Answer 1

Ans:

Metabolic equation for VO2 in leg cycling  = Vertical Component + Horizontal Component + Resting Component

Vertical Component = (1.8 x Workrate) / Body Mass (kg)

Horizontal Component = 3.5 mL/kg/min

Resting Component = 3.5 mL/kg/min

Now, Workrate = 1.5 (resistance/kg) x 6 (revolution distance/m) x 60 (pedalling frequency/rpm) = 540 kg/m/min

Vertical Component = (1.8 x 540) / 55 = 17.67 mL/kg/min

Therefore, Relative VO2 = Vertical Component + Horizontal Component + Resting Component

= 3.5 + 3.5 + 17.67 = 24.67 mL/kg/min

and Absolute VO2 = (24.67 x 55 kg)/ 1000 = 1.36 L/min

Absolute VO2 = 1.36 L/min