Quick Health Tip - Cardiorespiratory Fitness (“CRF”) Assessment

A Cardiorespiratory Fitness (“CRF”) assessment intends to find an individual’s VO2 max, which helps explain the body’s ability to intake, transport, and utilize oxygen. It helps determine the efficiency of delivering oxygen to working muscles that include the lungs and heart. Sub maximal tests are usually employed to determine VO2 and are done for a specified duration until a certain heart rate is acquired. For optimal health and training, an individual should train approximately 80% of their VO2max for at least 30 minutes 5 days/week. Results are ultimately entered into a predictive equation to obtain a score. Sub maximal tests vs. maximal may be less accurate but is more ideal.  The tests reduce the stress on the person who is getting tested to help prevent injuries and it requires less skill to implement (easier to complete).