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VO2 Max Algorithm changed ?

Beachbum
over 3 years ago

Over the last month, my V02 Max rating has dropped from 43, to 41 and the associated estimated 5K Prediction has increased from 00:59:58, to 1:01:21. 

Nothing else has changed, all my other stats are pretty much static/constant values, it is just the VO2 Max value that has dropped. My exercise regime is pretty constant too. 4-5 sessions of 30mins indoor rowing, walking every day for 4km, weekends I do about 15km. All of the exercise distances/durations are within acceptable variables, so nothing different there either

So my only conclusion is that the VO2 calc has changed in some way.  Had anyone else experienced this in the last 4-6 weeks ? Is anyone aware of a change in how the VO2 Max score is calculated ?

Many Thanks

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 3 years ago

    there is no change for me

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    My VO2max went up one point, because I've lost enough weight. Other than that, business as usual.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    couple of notes:

    - none of the activities you do will give your watch a reliable Vo2max estimation ( best would be biking with a power meter) but using the run activity (paired with a heart rate strap, for even more precision) will get you close enough

    - the algorithm will need different intensities. So even if you run around it will also need the occasional hard interval workout to improve its data

    - the data seems pretty wrong for you in general, because considering your activity level i am pretty sure you would run a 5k waaay faster then 1h, thats basically walking speed

    - depending on where you live the drop could be explained with higher temperatures. The watch will try to account for it (but specially with direct sun it has its problems, and you going on a walk on the weekends in the scorching sun, will result in a higher heart rate which can lead the watch to think you have become less fit. 

    -also also this all hinges on you having put in your proper heart rate zones in the app (knowing your proper max heart rate, not just some guesses or useless formulas like 220 minus age)), because that is needed for the watch to make any estimates. 

    hope that helps

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    I've found that Garmin's "race prediction" algorithm ranges from slightly optimistic to absolutely egregious (5k estimate for me is ~1min30 faster than current PR; marathon estimate is 40 minutes faster).  For what it's worth, I also put about 30km on my rower each week, but that alone will not render VO2 Max calculations.  That data comes from varying my runs day in/day out.

    My VO2 Max has also dropped a few points in the last month or so, but that's been a recurring thing for me each year with the transition from cool(er) Fall/Winter temps through the Spring and into summer.  Same happened with my Fenix 3 and HR strap 2016-2018, Fenix 5X+ from 2018-2022, and now with the Fenix 7XSS Jan of this year to now.  There are plenty of science words on the interwebs that talk to proper calculation of VO2 Max with various spendy pieces of analytic equipment, none of which include a Garmin watch.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    It does see that the VO2Max Algo has changed - very similar workouts but my VO2Max dropped from 55 to 52 steadily in about a month and it's stayed there now for the last month.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Yep, on June 14th I sent an email to DC Rainmaker, saying that I had noticed on my Fenix 6S my VO2 for cycling from April 15th (last recorded ride with GPS) was Excellent at 40, and my VO2 for running from that day was Good at 40. I wondered if he'd noticed a change too.

    Since then I've also noticed that training status might be re-calibrated; I think the boundaries of what is Productive, Unproductive and Recovery have changed. What I would normally expect to get Unproductive for, I get Recovery for (which feels more accurate).