By Adrian Western, MS,ATC and Anthony Spinelli, MS ATC, CSCS
VO2 max is short for maximum uptake of oxygen and is used as a measure of cardiorespiratory fitness as it relates to the amount of oxygen that the cardiovascular system can deliver to working muscles during exercise (Powers & Howley). Proper utilization of this test can be helpful in determining the fitness level of endurance athletes, customizing their training based on the results, and retesting to gauge adaptation to the workout instituted.