Term

What is the criterion measure of cardiorespiratory fitness?

Definition

Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max).

Term

What is VO2max?

Definition

maximal amount of oxygen that the body can intake, transport, and utilize; Depends on cardiac output and arteriovenous oxygen difference; Fick eqn: VO2 = Q * (a-v)O2diff; VO2max: maximal Q * maximal (a-v)O2diff; Commonly reported in relative units (mL·kg−1·min−1), for comparison to norms and others of different body sizes; Can be in absolute units also (L/min).

Term

Why is VO2max important for health?

Definition

Low aerobic fitness is associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular disease; American Heart Association recognizes aerobic fitness as a stronger predictor of mortality than other risk factors; Considered a vital sign.