Use a laboratory graded exercise test with gas analysis
Measure oxygen consumption while intensity increases to exhaustion
Record the highest oxygen uptake reached during the test
Use a treadmill or cycle ergometer protocol
Ensure heart rate, ventilation, and respiratory exchange are monitored
Confirm a VO2 plateau or peak value
Use a field test such as the Cooper 12-minute run
Use a beep test or shuttle run test
Use a 1.5-mile run test
Use a step test with a validated prediction formula
Use a wearable device or fitness app with VO2 max estimation
Compare results with age, sex, and fitness standards