LABORATORY REPORT DETERMINATION OF MAXIMUM OXYGEN CONSUMPTION (VO2MAX) IntroductionContext: In this lab, we explored the theory of maximum oxygen consumption. “Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is defined as the highest rate at which oxygen can be absorbed and used by the body during strenuous exercise” (Bassett and Howley, 2000). VO2max is measured in millimeters of O2 consumed per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min). It is commonly known as a good way to determine a subject's cardiorespiratory endurance and aerobic fitness level. Two people given the same aerobic task (may both be considered “fitter”), however, the fitter individual may consume more oxygen to produce enough energy to sustain higher and more intense workloads during exercise . The purpose of this laboratory experiment was to determine the VO2max results of a trained participant versus an untrained participant to see who was fitter. Methods and MaterialsParticipants/Materials: This laboratory experiment was conducted in an exercise physiology laboratory at Texas Woman's University, on September 20, 2013. It consisted of two primary participants: one trained participant (male; 30 years old; 72 inches tall; 82.9 kg) and one untrained participant (female; 20 years old; 65 inches tall; 75 kg). They were selected by my Prof. April Hartman to participate because they were the most qualified to conduct the study in our class. Both participants were assigned the same experimental task. The Bruce protocol (graded test) on a treadmill (exercise mode) was used to conduct the VO2max test. The materials needed were: 1 metabolic cart (with computer); 2 mouthpieces; 1 nose clip; 1 treadmill; 1 RPE scale; 1 timer; quill; paper; and a heart rate monitor.Procedure:1) The center of the paper produces more lactate in the blood for reabsorption. At this point ventilation increases exponentially. The goal of lactate threshold training is to raise your threshold point as close to your maximum heart rate as possible and improve your ability to tolerate that discomfort” (Messonnier, 2013). This concept was represented by the trained participant. As stated in the introduction and discussion sections and illustrated in the graphs, it can be concluded that the trained participant was actually fitter and could consume more oxygen than the untrained participant. Bottom line: The higher a person's VO2max, the longer they can sustain endurance events. at higher training intensities. In conclusion, the experiment showed that the trained participant had a higher VO2max (higher oxygen consumption) and was actually fitter than the untrained participant.