person doing vo2 performance testing

VO₂ Max Testing and Human Performance Lab in Tulsa

Cardiopulmonary care teams at Ascension St. John provide testing to improve your athletic performance and well-being in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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Understanding your heart health can help you improve your athletic performance.

The Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation team at Ascension St. John Human Performance Clinic provides VO₂ max testing to help you better understand your endurance capabilities. 

Once you have obtained the results of your test results, you may choose to schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard Kacere to learn how to enhance your athletic performance. He will work with you to create a care plan that helps improve your overall heart health, well-being and fitness. If you are an athlete, the test results and working with a physician can help you make meaningful changes to your training program. 

What to expect from a VO₂ max test

The VO₂ max test uses a treadmill or stationary bike stress evaluation to monitor exercise capacity through heart rate and oxygen levels. The Ascension St. John Cardiopulmonary care team will equip you with a mask that covers your nose and mouth. You will also have a heart monitor attached to your body while performing on the exercise equipment. 

The VO₂ max test is not covered by insurance as this is an elective test

  • VO₂ max test with test results is $199
  • Post VO2 max testing consultation in the Human Performance Lab with Dr. Richard Kacere is $149

Preparing for your VO₂ max test 

For better results, here are a few things to know before taking the VO₂ max test:

  • What to wear
    • Wear comfortable workout clothes
    • Wear athletic shoes (for walking, running, or cycling).
    • For cyclists we will have Shimano and Wahoo Speedplay pedals available. 
    • Feel free to bring your own pedals if desired
    • For cyclists: we use a Wahoo Kickr Bike setup. 

    Please bring the following measurements:

    Saddle Height (from your bike, if matching)

    • Distance from the center of the bottom bracket (pedal axle) to the top of the saddle

    Saddle Setback

    • Horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the nose of the saddle

    Handlebar Reach

    • Horizontal distance from the saddle to the handlebars.

    Handlebar Stack (Height)

    • Vertical distance from the bottom bracket to the top of the handlebars.

    Crank length

    • Choose from preset lengths on the KICKR Bike: 165mm, 167.5mm, 170mm, 172.5mm, or 175mm.
    • Match your usual crank length for consistency and comfort.
  • Eating and drinking
    • Don’t eat a big meal 2–3 hours before your test.
    • You can have a small snack or water earlier.
    • No coffee, soda, alcohol, or smoking for at least 3 hours before your test.
  • Medications
    • Take your regular medicines, unless your doctor says not to.
    • If you take medicine for your heart or blood pressure, ask your doctor if you should take it before the test.
  • Exercise and rest
    • Don’t do hard workouts the day before or the day of the test.
    • Get a good night’s sleep before your test.
  • What to bring
    • A list of your medications.
    • Any paperwork your doctor gave you.
    • A water bottle and towel (optional).
  • During the test
    • The test will get harder as you go. That’s normal.
    • You will be watched closely to keep you safe.
    • Tell the staff right away if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or need to stop.

Advanced cardiopulmonary care for athletic and sports performance

Dr. Richard Kacere explains how the team at Ascension St. John Human Performance Lab supports those that want to reach their fitness and health goals.

The VO₂ Max Test

Dr. Richard Kacere shares how the VO₂ max test accurately assesses your fitness by measuring the capacity and efficiency of oxygen utilization during exercise.