How to Calculate Maximum Oxygen Uptake (VO2 Max) from Running Performance (1500m).

This article discusses the determinant of long distance performance.  It is dedicated to my research supervisor, the late lecturer Dave Williams, a competing triathlete at the age of 50 plus himself, who simplified me the intricacies of lactate threshold, thermoregulation and Maximum Oxygen Uptake (VO2 max).

True Facts from my Research
Although the co-relation of my research (unpublished, 1995) result's correlation is better as compared to the research done in the past, my advice is for a person to go for to a physiologist to get the a very accurate objective result. It is for those who are well of or have the desire to excel in their performance. For those who are running and are not able to pay for this service, this research will still give an accurate reading as you can see from my description of this article.

Performance and Maximum Oxygen Uptake - Application of Research

Astrand and Rodahl (1986), Costill et al. (1973), Burke (1976), Williams (1987) and Ramsbottom et al. (1987) have demonstrated that a high correlation exists between perforamnce in distance running and VO2 max values.

Brandon and Boileau (1992) found that the relationship between the aerobic variables and middle distance run times increased as the distance increased. The highest relationship was found between VO2 max and three perforamance runs were moderately correlasted ranging from -0.66 at 800m to -0.79 at 3000m. Berg and William, (1980) in their study with 33 male runner volunteers aged between 10 and 36, found that VO2 max was significantly associated with the mile time when expressed in absolute (litres per min) and relative(ml/kg/min) terms, r = -0.48 and -0.74 respectively.

The relationship between VO2 max and 1500m run in my Research.
When the results for the subjects were combined, there was a negative correlation between the two variables - maximum oxygen uptake and time of running performance (r = 0.93;  p <0.01). The regression equation of the 29 subjects was y = -8.6 + 106.9, where x and y represent 1.5km running performance time (min) and maximum oxygen uptake respectively.

A Simple Version to Follow to Calculate Maximum Oxygen Uptake(VO2 max).

For example if your time is 5min 00sec. Hence, x or the time = 5min.

Using the Mathematical formula of the regression equation y = -8.6x + 106.9, where x is = 5=>    y = (5 x 8.6)x + 106.9


=>    y = -8.6x + 106.9 (where y = VO2 Max and x = Time run for 1500m)


=>    y = - 43 + 106.9
=>    y =  63.9ml/kg/min

After finishing the Berlin Marathon in 2hr 28min, I took a one week of total rest. I ran the 1500m on the track in a time of 4min 30sec on the Loughbrough University Athletics Track. 

=> y = -8.6x + 106.9 , where y = VO2 Max and x = Time run for 1500m.

=> y = 4.30min (-8.6x) + 106.9
y = (4.50 (converted to 100th) (-8.6) + 106.9
y= - 38.7 + 106.9
y = 68.2 ml/kg/min

Hence, my theoretical Maximum Uptake was 68. 2 ml/kg/min, although my real value using Douglas Bag Method, the objective method was 70.79ml/kg/min. I took the Douglas Bag Method test one week of full rest after the Berlin Marathon - 2hr 28min in Sept, 1993 Sept. It was a National Record breaking my own record of 2hr 29min set in Apr 1993, in the London Marathon. It is a real wonder to have tested the Douglas Bag Method, just before the marathon.







AStrand and Rodahl (