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Garmin VO2 max reference ranges incorrect

9326958
over 4 years ago

Why doesn't Garmin use accurate VO2 max ranges on the app? I have looked online and their reference ranges don't match published data: mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(15)00642-4/pdf. The data on the app from the "Cooper Institute" also does not match data published on the Garmin Blog under VO2 max: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/fitness/whats-a-good-vo2-max-for-me/ . I would like to have an accurate range on my app. Any way to fix this? Thanks!

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I think the reference ranges we see in these links are generic by age and gender.  The VO2 max we see on our Garmin devices is considered a “relative” VO2 max and uses other metrics obtained by the smart watch such as heart rate and speed while running or cycling.  It may use RHR resting heart rate as well as BRPM breath rate per minute though I don’t think BRPM is measured during activities. It may also take into account height and weight in the calculation but I can’t find exactly what metrics it uses. 

    My VO2 max on the links you provided show my age and VO2 max should be excellent but Garmin only displays it as Good.  It shows I’m in the top 30% for my age and gender but I wish it would provide more detail on how it calculates that number and also how to improve it.

    I would love to know exactly which data it uses from the watch for the score but honestly couldn’t find anything definitive in my search.  Garmin probably knows and I wish it was easy to find.  I see your point though, even if it is using a relative VO2 max the scores and corresponding fitness levels would be easier to understand if they matched the published reference tables.

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    Also, I found their reference chart, apparently its from the Cooper Institute and does match what I am seeing for my score which is quite a bit lower then other charts I have seen.

    www8.garmin.com/.../GUID-1FBCCD9E-19E1-4E4C-BD60-1793B5B97EB3.html