VO2 Max Test

You’ll need to come to our outpatient clinic to take a VO2 max test. This is because the test is conducted under close supervision from a respiratory physiologist to ensure your safety. The test may last between 10 and 20 minutes.

Here’s what will happen during your VO2 max test:

1. You’ll be asked to put on a mask that measures the volume of oxygen you inhale and the carbon dioxide you exhale. 

2. You’ll be given a heart rate monitor to wear.

3. You’ll get onto a stationary bike and be asked to cycle at a constant speed.

4. Your physiologist will monitor your heart rate, oxygen consumption, and other vital signs.

5. They will gradually increase the resistance on the bike, meaning it will take more physical effort from you to continue cycling at that pace.

6. Your physiologist will continue monitoring your vital signs and increasing the resistance until you reach the point of fatigue.

7. When the test is complete, your physiologist will help you to remove the mask and heart rate monitor, and you can get off the bike.

Once your physiologist has confirmed that your vital signs look good and you feel ready to leave, you’ll be able to go home.

The VO2 max test is generally considered safe. All VO2 max tests are conducted under strict supervision by healthcare professionals who are trained to manage any adverse effects, ensuring your safety throughout the process.

However, the test does carry some minimal risks, particularly if you’re not used to high-intensity exercise. The common risks include:

• fatigue: you may feel physically exhausted after pushing yourself to the point of fatigue during the test

• dizziness: due to the physical demands of the test, you may experience lightheadedness or dizziness, especially in the minutes immediately following the test

Your consultant will tell you exactly what to do to prepare yourself for the test. 

Their instructions may include:

• drink plenty of water in the 12 hours before your test

• stick to light workouts only in the 26 hours before your test

• eat your normal diet leading up to the test

• adapt your diet as per their instructions on the day of your test

• avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and some supplements and medications before your test

• wear your comfortable exercise clothing and shoes to your test

There’s no extensive recovery period required after a VO2 max test. You can resume your normal activities whenever you feel up to it.

It’s common to feel fatigued for a short time after your test. You may also experience mild muscle soreness depending on your level of fitness and exertion during the test. Hydration and rest are typically recommended.

Please contact our Lung Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our respiratory specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a respiratory specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.