VO2 Max Versus VO2 Peak

In previous articles, I've discussed both VO2max and VO2peak, which are both measures of whole-body oxygen consumption. It appears there is some confusion surrounding these terms, which are often used synonymously, but actually refer to two different measurements.

For example, VO2max applies strictly to the highest oxygen consumption value attainable for the whole body. VO2peak, on the other hand, is contextual. For instance, during small muscle mass exercise (like on an arm ergometer), your highest possible VO2 value is much lower than your VO2max. As a result, we would refer to this as a VO2peak. However, during whole-body exercise VO2peak is equal to VO2max.

The attainment of an actual maximum VO2 value requires a certain percentage of total muscle mass to be engaged. Interestingly, once a ‘critical mass’ of total muscle is used, the engagement of more muscle mass may not increase VO2 further. This is due to the intricacies of cardiovascular control, which is discussed in a previous…