GARMIN 935: measuring VO2 Max

[Titanium Rocket]

Please excuse me if this is a stupid question but why does my Garmin 935:

·         Need to be connected to a power meter to measure VO₂ Max for cycling

·         But no power meter is needed to measure VO₂ Max for running? 

[Paddaman]

VO2 Max for running is calculated from your training load, speed, and a few other variables.  Garmin has entered into partnership with Firstbeat to use their algorithms.  The VO2 max is reasonably accurate, enough to feel good, but not precise enough for scientific training.  Garmin is one of the more accurate smart devices on the market  Google is your friend for more details on this.

[Titanium Rocket]

Sure Paddaman, but doesn't answer the question ...

[Paddaman]

With cycling Vo2 Max, power is one of the required variables, where with running it is not?

[shaper]

Is likely from the algorithm used by first beat to calculate VO2max, which garmin devices use.

 

For running they require gps(speed) and HR

For cycling they require power and HR

 

https://www.firstbeat.com/en/consumer-feature/vo2max-fitness-level/

 

Probably best to drop first beat an email asking why for better clarification

[Frosty]

According to the Garmin help files, VO2 max is used with permission from the Cooper Institute, at least for the FR735XT (https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forerunner735/EN-US/GUID-3E971364-A756-4057-B22D-C41250B2A82B.html)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[The Guy in Pink]

The VO2 Max calculation uses the athletes power as one of the factors.

 

As the running speed is relatively low, power can be reasonability calculated from the  Runners weight , speed and gradient.

 

In cycling wind resistance is the major factor for power needed to achieve a certain speed. (Power needed is proportional to the Cube of the wind speed : double the speed needs 8 times the power).  Without knowing whether the cyclist is cycling into a headwind or following a tailwind (or a side wind) there is no way of calculating the power requirement to ride at  certain speed.