Factors that affect the maximal oxygen uptake
I Gusti Agung Wika Indirayani RS, Indah Pramita, M. Widnyana · Kinesiology and Physiotherapy Comprehensive · 2026
Background: Physical fitness refers to the body’s ability to perform work or physical activities without experiencing excessive fatigue. One of the most important indicators of physical fitness is the maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), as a higher score reflects better endurance and lower fatigue during physical activity. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence VO₂max is essential for improving overall physical performance. This study aimed to identify the factors that affect maximaloxygen uptake.
Method: This study employed a literature review approach using secondary data obtained from research journals related tophysical fitness and VO₂max. The journals were sourced from databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. The authorsincluded journals published within the last ten years.
Result: There were several factors that influenced a person’s VO₂max. Males generally have higher VO₂max levels than females. Individuals living in high-altitude areas tend to have higher VO₂max values compared to those living in low-altitude regions. Nutritional status and body mass index (BMI) show a negative correlation with VO₂max, whereas physical activity demonstrates a positive correlation.
Conclusion: The factors that influence the VO₂max include gender, nutritional status, BMI, physical activity, body fat percentage, and living environment. Keywords : VO₂max, cardiovascular endurance, physical fitness.