What is the formula for VO2?

The formula for VO2, which represents oxygen consumption, is vital in understanding how the body utilizes oxygen during physical activity. The correct formula, VO2 = CO x (a-VO2diff), captures the relationship between cardiac output (CO) and the difference in oxygen content between arterial and venous blood (a-VO2diff).

Cardiac output is defined as the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, and it is calculated as the product of heart rate (HR) and stroke volume (SV). The term (a-VO2diff) indicates the amount of oxygen extracted from the blood by the tissues. This formula illustrates that as cardiac output increases, so does the potential for a higher availability of oxygen for the body's tissues, ultimately leading to enhanced aerobic capacity and performance.

Understanding this relationship is crucial in geriatric physical therapy, especially when monitoring and promoting cardiovascular health in older patients. This knowledge allows physical therapists to tailor exercise programs that safely optimize oxygen delivery and utilization in elderly patients, thus improving their functional capabilities and overall quality of life.