Hallway outside the Chilliwack library
Aerobic Activity Measured
The model in the Chilliwack library’s display cabinet is
showing off how easy it is to use a metabolic cart to estimate the amount of
oxygen used by tissues during exercise or at rest. By measuring the amount of
oxygen consumed by our cells, we can estimate the amount of energy
produced through cellular respiration. Dressed up in exercise gear, the
mannequin gets her oxygen consumption (VO2) tested when her body is resting and
then again during exercise. We can see how much more oxygen is used by the
cells during exercise and also test the maximum amount of oxygen that can be
consumed by the cells, which is a measure of aerobic capacity.
Aerobic Capacity Mainly Genetic
The maximal oxygen consumption in tissues is largely
genetically determined, but it is can also improve with endurance training. The
VO2 max test is commonly used to test athletes' aerobic capacity and to track
how much they have improved over time. The average sedentary individual has a
VO2 max of 25-35 (this is how much oxygen their cells are able to use in one
minute), during a walking test on a treadmill, while a frail, elderly person
has a VO2 max of 10-20 mL/kg/min. The highest VO2 max ever recorded is a
Scandinavian cross-country skier who scored 93. VO2 max declines significantly
with age, starting at 25-30 years old. Fat composition and muscle mass have
little influence on VO2 performance. It’s aerobic training that can make a
difference.
Dogs, our Aerobic Masters
To compare us to our furry friends, an elite distance runner
may have a VO2 max of approximately 80 mL/kg/min, whereas sled dogs have a far
greater endurance capacity, reaching levels of up to 300 mL/kg/min.
Nursing and Dental
The health sciences display at UFV’s Chilliwack
campus library includes elements of nursing, kinesiology and dental
instruction, including library resources on health-related topics and some neat
dental X-Rays. All of the library materials in the display case are available
to take home. Ask a staff member and she will get it out of the display cabinet
for you.
Posted by Lisa
No comments:
Post a Comment