Question

Patrick is 18 years old, weighs 80 kg, stands 178 cm tall with a body fat percentage of 10.2%. Patrick plays hockey in the OHL and scouts have suggested to him he's a fringe NHL hockey prospect (based on skill), but that he needs to improve his conditioning in few areas if he hopes to play at a higher level.

During a combine test prep event, Patrick recorded the following numbers:

• Grip(strength: 148 lbs/

• Bench press (reps at 150 lbs): 10 reps

• Standing long jump: 113 in

• Vertical jump with pause: 33.5 in

• Pull ups: 6 reps

• Wingate ---> Average power: 8.8 watts/kg

Peak power: 12.1 watts/kg

• VO2 max: 42 ml/kg/min

On a normal day, Patrick consumes 2450 kcal (60% CHO, 15% PRO, 25% FAT) and drinks 4 L of fluid

a) Can Patrick improve his Vo2 through training? If so how much might he be able to improve it

b) if blood lactate were measured at the end of his Vo2 max test, what is the expected recording?

Answer 1

(A) Several research reports also indicates that although VO2 max has some genetic link but it can be increased through regular training. VO2 max can be achieved through increases in both training volume and intensity.

In general VO2 level ranges from 30 to 60 ml/kg/min. VO2 (45.2-50.9 ml/kg/min) for the age of 13-19 years old is good and 51 to 55 is excellent at this age group.

(B) Lactate level will increase at the initial stage but with regular exercise you can get excellent VO2 level with minimum lactate concentration changes. After long time exercise lactate level will be independent on the VO2 changes and you can do more time work with minimum changes in lactate.