How can fitness trackers estimate VO2 max without knowing how hard the exercise is?
3 min read
Asked by: Matt Kolb
How do fitness trackers calculate VO2 max?
Most of the popular consumer fitness trackers on the market use Firstbeat Technologies’ analytical algorithms to calculate VO2 max. “The Firstbeat method for estimating VO2 max during running is through the linear relationship between VO2 and running speed, which is measured through GPS,” says Phillips.
Is VO2 max on watch accurate?
The results are reasonably accurate granting most sub maximal testing has an error of 10-15%. While this all sounds too good to be true there are some other factors that come into play. If a user has underestimated their HRmax by 15 beats/min the VO2 max will show an error of around 9%.
What is the most accurate method to determine VO2 max?
Lab Test
The most accurate way to test your VO2max is in a laboratory. Intensity will be varied (usually on a treadmill) while your respiratory rate and heart rate are measured during a 20-minute test. Depending on your concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide being inhaled and exhaled, your VO2max will be scored.
Can fitness watch measure VO2 max?
With its latest software update, Fossil has enabled VO2 Max tracking for its Gen 5 smartwatch. It starts at Rs 22,995 and is available in both online and offline stores. The watch using resting heart rate and biometrics approximates overall fitness levels with the help of VO2 Max levels of your body.
How does Garmin calculate VO2 max?
Getting Your VO2 Max. Estimate
- Hold the touchscreen.
- Select My Stats > VO2 Max. If you have already recorded a brisk walk or run outdoors, your VO2 max. estimate may appear. …
- To start a VO2 max. test, swipe up, and select Test Now.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to get your VO2 max. estimate.
Why did my VO2 max go down on Garmin?
If the average heart rate goes up it causes the Garmin VO2 Max to go down when training is increased either by intensity or distance or both.
Does Garmin accurately measure VO2 max?
Taken as a whole, the studies suggest that the Garmin methodology can give you a VO2 max estimate within about 5 percent of your true value.
Does Apple Watch underestimate VO2 max?
For a half year, the Apple Watch is measuring a Vo2max around 41-42, which is not really good for a 28-year old men. Today I’ve got the results from my sports-medical examinations with a Vo2max of 53. That’s 26% uncertainty, so the algorithm isn’t really accurate.
How does weight affect VO2 max?
The researchers do further analysis to show that relative VO2-max is actually inversely proportional to fat mass – that is, the more body fat you have, the lower your relative VO2-max. In fact, fat mass is a better predictor of relative VO2-max than exercise performance (how far/fast you go in the VO2-max test)!
Do heavier people have higher VO2 max?
The researchers do further analysis to show that relative VO2max is actually inversely proportional to fat mass — that is, the more body fat you have, the lower your relative VO2max. In fact, fat mass is a better predictor of relative VO2max than exercise performance (how far/fast you go in the VO2max test)!
Does your VO2 max go up if you lose weight?
Conclusion: The major influence of body weight on VO2max is explained by FFM; FM does not have any effect on VO2max. Fatness and excess body weight do not necessarily imply a reduced ability to maximally consume oxygen, but excess fatness does have a detrimental effect on submaximal aerobic capacity.
