Measuring VO2 Max

Aidlab calculates your VO2 Max from real outdoor running workouts, delivering a scientifically grounded estimate of your aerobic fitness using GPS, heart rate, and activity data.

What Is VO2 Max?

VO2 Max is your body's maximum oxygen consumption rate during intense exercise, measured in milliliters per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min). It reflects your cardiovascular system's efficiency — how well your heart, lungs, and muscles work together to deliver and use oxygen.

A higher VO2 Max means better aerobic capacity. It's one of the strongest predictors of endurance performance and overall cardiovascular health.

How Aidlab Measures VO2 Max

Unlike laboratory testing that requires masks and treadmills, Aidlab estimates VO2 Max using data collected during outdoor runs:

• Running duration — at least 10 minutes of continuous running activity.
• GPS tracking — outdoor runs with accurate distance and pace data.
• Heart rate intensity — sustained heart rate above 70% of your maximum for the entire workout.
• User profile data — age, sex, weight, and height for personalized calculations.

This approach is based on validated algorithms that correlate running performance metrics with measured VO2 Max, widely used in sports science research.

Why These Criteria Matter

To generate a reliable VO2 Max estimate, Aidlab requires:

1. Outdoor runs with GPS — Indoor treadmill runs don't provide the speed and elevation data needed for accurate calculation.
2. Minimum 10 minutes — Short efforts don't engage aerobic systems long enough to reflect true capacity.
3. High heart rate intensity (>70% max HR) — Aerobic fitness is measured under sustained exertion, not easy jogging.

If your run doesn't meet these criteria, VO2 Max won't be calculated for that session — but it will still log heart rate, calories, and other metrics.

Scientifically Validated

VO2 Max estimation based on running speed, heart rate, and duration has been validated across multiple studies. Aidlab applies this science using:

• Clinical-grade ECG heart rate monitoring, not optical sensors prone to motion artifacts.
• Precise GPS tracking for accurate pace and distance measurement.
• Personalized calculations based on your individual profile and training history.

This delivers a VO2 Max estimate comparable to laboratory testing — without the equipment.

Where to Find Your Data

You can view your VO2 Max:

• In the Aidlab App, in your profile or activity summaries for qualifying runs.
• On your Aidlab Dashboard, where trends over time are displayed.

VO2 Max is updated after each qualifying outdoor run. Tracking it over weeks and months shows how your aerobic fitness improves with consistent training.

Make Sure It Works

To enable VO2 Max calculation:

1. Log in to the Aidlab App.
2. Wear Aidlab correctly with good skin contact during outdoor runs.
3. Enable GPS tracking before starting your run.
4. Complete your user profile with:
   • Age
   • Sex
   • Height
   • Weight

Missing profile data or GPS tracking will prevent VO2 Max calculation.

Why VO2 Max May Not Appear

If you don't see a VO2 Max estimate after a run:

• Ensure the run was outdoors with GPS enabled (indoor treadmill runs are not supported).
• Verify the run lasted at least 10 minutes.
• Check that your heart rate stayed above 70% of your maximum for the entire duration.
• Confirm that your user profile is complete with accurate age, sex, height, and weight.

VO2 Max is calculated only for runs meeting all criteria. Easy runs, walks, or non-running activities won't generate a VO2 Max estimate.