Analyse the factors which affect an individuals VO2 max AND the effects these factors have on his performance.

VO2 max can be defined as the maximum volume of oxygen that can be utilised per minute, it is also directly proportional to an athlete’s level of aerobic fitness as an increased VO2 max is associated with an increased aerobic ability. There are various factors that affect an individuals VO2 max. For example, if affective and specific training is completed then VO2 max will increase. This is due to various physiological adaptations that come with aerobic training, one of these adaptations is increased red blood cell count and increased concentration of haemoglobin in the blood which increases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This ultimately leads to more oxygen being delivered to the working muscles and the muscles working more efficiently. Another factor that could affect an individuals vo2 max is genetics. This could be through a large lung volume being passed on through genetics. A large lung volume would increase the amount of oxygen that can be diffused into the blood. Again this means that highly concentrated oxygenated blood can be delivered to the areas of the body that need it increasing the amount of oxygen that can be utilised and increasing the ability to exercise.