If a client has a VO2max of 36.8 ml/kg/min and exercises at 50% VO2max, what would be the correct power output on a cycle ergometer?

To determine the power output on a cycle ergometer when a client exercises at 50% of their VO2max, it’s essential to understand the relationship between VO2max and power output.

In this case, the client has a VO2max of 36.8 ml/kg/min. First, we calculate 50% of this value, which is 18.4 ml/kg/min. This is the oxygen uptake the client would need to sustain during exercise at that intensity.

Next, we need to convert this value into a power output in watts. The conversion of VO2 to power output on a cycle ergometer typically uses the formula where 1 watt is roughly equivalent to a consumption of 10 ml/kg/min based on standard metabolic equivalents. Therefore, to find the corresponding power output for 18.4 ml/kg/min, we can multiply it by an appropriate factor that relates the metabolic equivalent to cycling power.

When we do the math:

1. VO2 in L/min = VO2 in ml/kg/min × weight in kg / 1000.

2. Assuming an average weight of around 70 kg, this gives VO2 in L/min = 18.4 ml/kg/min * 70 kg / 100