Answer :
Fred's relative VO2max can be calculated by converting his body weight to kilograms, which is approximately 74.84 kg, and then using the formula for VO2max, we find his relative VO2max to be approximately 37.99 mL/kg/min.
The student is interested in calculating Fred's relative VO2max based on his estimated maximal workload and body weight. The maximal workload is given as 1250 kgm/min, and Fred's predicted maximum heart rate (HR) is 185. Fred weighs 165 lbs. Calculating relative VO2max requires converting these units into a standardized form so that we can compare them with standard values.
First, we must convert Fred's body weight into kilograms by dividing the pounds by 2.20462 (since 1 kilogram equals 2.20462 pounds). Fred's weight in kilograms is approximately 74.84 kg. Next, we use the formula for converting the maximal workload to VO2max, which typically is: VO2max (in mL/kg/min) = (work rate in kgm/min
× conversion factor) / body weight in kg. The conversion factor usually is 1.8, which applies to cycling and stepping exercises but can vary slightly depending on the activity. Using the formula, we get VO2max = (1250
× 1.8) / 74.84 ≈ 37.99 mL/kg/min.
Therefore, Fred's relative VO2max is approximately 37.99 mL/kg/min. This measurement is useful for assessing an individual's cardiorespiratory fitness level, which is critical in fields related to exercise science, physiology, and health.
