Abnormality on pulmonary function testing Decreased maximal oxygen uptake 2021-04-29T21:47:37Z Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is defined as the highest rate of oxygen uptake and utilization by the body during intense, maximal exercise, whereby further increases in work rate do not bring on additional rises in VO2 (i.e. plateau). VO2Max is typically measured with a treadmill and ergometer and the participant exercises with increasing levels of intensity. VO2Max is the point at which oxygen uptake no longer increases despite an increase in workload.