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Underestimating VO2max

johan6504
7 months ago

I have been testing my vo2max for the third time now in a professional lab. 

Did it together with my son this time so I have four tests giving me some data to compare garmin estimates and lab results. 

For me garmin has constantly underestimated my vo2max. Fairly consistent with 2 units, this time 45 on watch and lab result 46,9

For my son, the difference is larger. Garmin 56 and lab result 62.

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  • 0 7 months ago

    Garmin (respectively Firstbeat Analytics, Garmin's daughter company) claims the accuracy of 95% [source]. In your case it means even 44.55 would be still within the margin. At your son is is already worse, but you did not tell how it was measured, how many times, whether a HRM strap was used, etc.

    However, more than the absolute value, it is the progress that you should look at - that's the main purpose of the VO₂max values as an indicator helping you to see whether your training is efficient or not.

  • 0 7 months ago

    I've never considered a wrist-worn wearable "accurate" for pretty much anything.. my concern is whether or not it's "consistent". Resting HR, Hrv, VO2 max, etc etc as long as it consistently tracks trends then the actual number is basically irrelevant for most people's purpose. 

    You're never going to be able to create an algorithm with 100% accuracy vs wearing a mask and actually taking gas measurements 

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to trux
    trux said:
    Garmin (respectively Firstbeat Analytics, Garmin's daughter company) claims the accuracy of 95% [source].

    The White Paper also notes that the accuracy of the VO2Max estimate also depends on the accuracy of your maxHR datapoint - if the maxHR datapoint is inaccurate, then the VO2Max figure will be as well.. Most people do not hit their maxHR during training and racing, and using the age-based default is even less accruate.