VO2 max and PMR/ predisolone. Any knowledge out there?

[Perigrina]

My VO2 max is 25 ie bottom 40% for age. Sats my physical age is 79 (I'm 70). I didn't measure V02 max before PMR/ predisolone but I was very fit (hills, running, cycling). Is there any research/ info on this? Thanks.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

How did you get your VO2 max measured? Personally, I doubt I could have performed well enough to get a decent result ever since I developed PMR at the age of 51!

[Sillydogsmum]

Has to be done in an accredited lab to be of any value, more relevant to professional athletes.

[AtopicGuy]

It is tempting to think that being somewhere "in the bottom 40%" is really bad, but it isn't when you consider:

a) 50% of the population are automatically below average and;

b) if you'd been in the bottom 30%, or 20%, or 10%, or even 1%, it would have said so.

Truth is, you're just below average, according to that inevitably-imperfect device.

[Perigrina]

Thank you but sadly it's bottom 40% of my age group! Having said that, I'm double checking stuff as I may not be doing it right. Pre PMR I didn't check -ever, but I could run in the top third of half marathon runners for my age and they are a fit bunch!

[pmr_nikola]

I would not be surprised if PMR impact VO2 max since the blood flow to the muscles is restricted. Effective VO2max is restricted even if your lungs can absorb oxygen because delivery path is limiting factor. Besides lab measurement ( which is not readily accessible ) one can estimate VO2max based on 12 min test and the distance one can cover ( see Kenneth Cooper for more details verywellfit.com/fitness-tes....

[Perigrina in reply to pmr_nikola]

Thank you for your reply. It was very helpful. But I am abroad for 6 months from Friday (thankfully not flying) and would struggle to get a test done. Found out this morning I have developed varicose veins of some considerable size. Perhaps they have been there a while but I've not noticed. So I think I must have some vascular problems. Now, to find solutions. Grateful, though, for your help.