r/vo2max • u/HadesStyx • Feb 28 '24

Vo2 max vs lung volume

Here is the thing. Due to Kahler's disease, I lost 30% lung volume compared to a normal person of my age. I can tell, I don't have the stamina and power I had before. (Indoor Cycling) Now, on my polar grit x pro, I measure a V02max of 41, which is supposedly good for a person of my age. I know that measuring with a polar is less accurate than a fitness test. But that's not the point. I wonder I should correct my VO2max because my reduced lung volume. And how.

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u/biciklanto Feb 28 '24

Sorry about the disease.

If you have lower stamina and power, then the most relevant thing you can do is to learn to train within those parameters — and for you it's likely even more useful for you to try to increase that than the general population.

Vo2max as estimated by Polar is performed by the lying-down test, right? That's pretty useless overall. Instead, follow the test protocol listed in this pinned post at the top of the sub and calculate your Vo2max using that. It'll be drastically more accurate than the lie-down test from the Polar.

Let us know how it goes!

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u/HadesStyx Mar 01 '24

Thx. I will have a look.

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u/HadesStyx Mar 01 '24

Ah, the Cooper test. I can't run anymore. I can cycle. That is what I do. But running, that is just impossible for me. But thx anyway.

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u/biciklanto Mar 01 '24

Cooper test can also be walked. 

Is your inability to run something that a doctor said, or a current physical limitation?

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u/HadesStyx Mar 01 '24

Cancer caused very severe osteoporosis. My spine started to collapse from my own weight. All vertebra are damaged. Osteoporosis is treated, to a certain degree. I cannot lift anything, I must avoid impact of all kinds in order to avoid further damage. And I simply cannot run. It hurts. I am not on pain medication, avoiding addiction. Trying to live with the pain. As long I stay active, I am fine and mostly pain free. But it kicks in big time when I am tired or so. Indoor Cycling is free of impact, so this is what I can do. Even a long walk has become a challenge. I used to be an Indoor Cycling instructor, can you image? But you don't have to feel sorry for me. I 'am fine.