A sub-maximal test allows for an individual’s cardiorespiratory or aerobic fitness level to be estimated without them needing to fully exert themselves. Either a cycling test or a treadmill test can be chosen. The available tests are as follows.
The test is targeted for the general population who wish to discover what their aerobic fitness levels are like. Before undergoing the test, you need to complete the Exercise Test Readiness Form to check for any health or safety-related issues. If you have had a history of cardiovascular, pulmonary or Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) or have been stratified as high risk by a doctor, you may need to consult your general practitioner or a Sport and Exercise physician before undergoing the test.
Even though this is not a test which requires you to push yourself to the maximum, it will still be challenging for some people. If you are someone who has not been physically active, you may experience breathlessness and fatigue towards the end of the test. These feelings are usually transient. You can, however, request to stop the test at any time. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult your doctor before undergoing the test.
Some of the possible risks of a sub-maximal test include muscle aches, giddiness, cramps.
Yes, the test takes a total of 45 minutes with a maximum of 25 minutes on a treadmill or a stationary bicycle. Thereafter, your results will be analysed. Once the analysis is done, the Exercise Physiologist will discuss the results and the training plans with you.
No strenuous physical activity should be undertaken the day before the test. No caffeine should be ingested on the day prior to the test. Your meal, be it breakfast or lunch, should be taken at least 2 hours before the test. You should be adequately hydrated an hour before the test. Please come in sports attire and bring along your identity card on your appointment date. If you don’t feel well on the test day (e.g. cold, flu, muscle fatigue), you can call us at (65) 6850 1569/70 to change your test date.
Please call the Singapore Sport and Exercise Medicine Centre @ CGH at Tel (65) 68501569/70 for appointment.
VO2max refers to the maximal amount of oxygen consumed by our body during maximal exercise. It is also the measurement of one's present state of aerobic fitness.
This maximal test comprises of treadmill running with increasing intensity accompanied by a gas analysis conducted through an attached face mask. The test requires an 'all-out' effort on your part.
Without an objective measurement of our fitness level, most of us are unsure of the right intensity at which we should be training. Training at a randomly selected intensity can lead to under-training or over-training, which may lead to reduced performance or injury.
The VO2max test provides information on:
This information allows us to predict training zones of varying intensities to optimise your training programme and maximise your training benefits.
The test is suitable for endurance athletes seeking improvement in their running performance. Due to the high intensity of the test, you should preferably be someone who is already running consistently and have achieved a certain level of fitness. As a guideline, you should have already been running at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week, for the past 12 weeks.
Towards the end of the test, you may experience nausea, giddiness, breathlessness and fatigue as you would have exerted maximal effort. These feelings are usually transient. You can, however, request to terminate the test at any time. If you have concerns about your health, please consult your doctor or a Sport and Exercise physician before undergoing the test. You can make an appointment to see our sports physician at the SSMC@CGH
Some of the possible risks include chest pain, allergic reactions, abnormal heart rhythm, abnormal blood pressure response, heart attack and stroke. However, the chance of this happening in an average patient is approximately 1 in 10,000.
Yes, the test takes a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes with a maximum of 15 minutes running on a treadmill. Thereafter, your gaseous exchange data will be analysed. Once the analysis is done, the Exercise Physiologist will discuss the results and the training plans with you.
The procedure is as follows:
No, it is not. The VO2max test is essentially a test of endurance and does not screen for health problems. If you would like to undergo health-screening before participating in endurance sports, please see our Athlete Medical Screening Packages on our website.
You should be adequately hydrated with 350ml to 500ml of liquid at least an hour before the test, and have your lunch 1-2 hours before the test. Refrain from drinking caffeine on the test day. Do not participate in any strenuous physical activity 2 days before the test as it might affect your performance during the test. Please come in sports attire, bring along your heart rate monitor and watch if you have one and bring along your identity card on your appointment date. If you do not feel well on the test day or recently recovered from a viral infection(e.g. cold, flu, fever), please call (65) 6850 1569/70 to change your test date.
Note: Doctor’s consultation is recommended if you are in doubt of your body’s condition for the VO2max test. However, this does not guarantee that you would be certified fit to take the test on the same day.
For further appointments and enquiries, call the SSMC@CGH at Tel (65) 6850 1569/70.
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