What is this strange device that football players wear in their mouths for?

This strange mask-like thing that we can see on athletes, reminiscent of the movie “The Dark Knight Rises”, For a test called “VO₂ Max” actually used.

What exactly is the mask used for the “VO₂ Max” test and What function does it serve? Let’s take a closer look.

The device used in the “VO₂ Max” test makes a measurement.

When we breathe in oxygen, which is the most important component in the respiratory process, our lungs absorb it and convert it into energy. Adenosine triphosphate, abbreviated as ATP, powers our cells. and helps release carbon dioxide when exhaling. Let’s keep this information in mind for now and move on to the next topic.

This thing that football players wear in their mouths is usually used to perform the “VO₂ Max” test; “metabolic analyzer” or “portable gas analyzer” A device also called. This device analyzes athletes’ respiratory gases and measures the oxygen consumption in their bodies during exercise.

In a way, it is a physiological test to determine the athlete’s maximum oxygen consumption.

During the test, the athlete is usually on the football field, on the exercise band, or on a bike. maximum performance exercising and displaying the device; By monitoring the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide taken in and given out during this time, it determines how much oxygen the person uses and produces carbon dioxide.

The higher the “VO₂ Max” level, the more oxygen the body consumes and uses this oxygen to produce the maximum amount of ATP energy.

So what exactly is all this information needed for?

Data measured by the device; to evaluate the physiological conditions of athletes, to optimize training programs and improve their performance It is used for. Higher values ​​of “VO₂ Max”, which is the measure of the athlete’s aerobic endurance, are associated with better performance and endurance.

However, not everyone can perform this test. Usually in a medical facility such as a laboratory or hospital; by a doctor or fitness specialist and trainers is being carried out.

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