VO2max as a marker for HBOT Progress| with Dr. Joe Watso

Feb 27, 2026

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In this episode of the How to Hyperbaric Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Joe Watso, assistant professor at Florida State University and director of the Cardiovascular and Applied Physiology Laboratory.

We break down the science of VO2 max, one of the strongest predictors of longevity and overall health. Dr. Watso explains what VO2 max actually measures, why it reflects far more than just fitness, and how it connects to cardiovascular function, lung capacity, mitochondrial health, and long-term independence.

We discuss how VO2 max is properly measured in a laboratory setting, how to get an estimate at home, how accurate wearable estimates really are, and how often it makes sense to test it. We also explore how VO2 max compares to heart rate variability (HRV), what lactate threshold and exercise economy reveal about performance, and what markers matter most for longevity and wellness.

📌 Find Dr. Joe Watso here: https://joewatso.com/

📚Get Certified and Learn how to use HBOT safely and effectively in our certification course: https://drmasha.com/hbot-certification-course/

👩🏻‍⚕️ Book your Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy consultation with Dr. Masha: https://drmasha.com/consult-with-me/

Timestamps:

00:00 INTRO

01:48 What Is VO2 Max?

02:08 How to Measure VO2 Max

03:22 What VO2 Max Can Tell Us About Our Body

04:31 How VO2 Max Relates to Longevity

06:24 Can We Use VO2 Max as a Marker to Measure Therapy Progress?

07:52 Heart Rate Variability (HRV) vs. VO2 Max

12:56 What to Do to Increase Your VO2 Max

14:37 Do You Need to Be Fit Before Training VO2 Max?

18:10 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and VO2 Max

19:24 Mitochondria and VO2 Max — What’s the Link?

21:59 Combining Hyperbaric Therapy With Interval Training

23:56 How Often Should You Test VO2 Max?

25:26 Are VO2 Max Devices Accurate?

27:25 Lactate Threshold Explained

31:01 Running Economy vs. Cycling Economy

32:56 Best Markers for Longevity and Wellness

36:45 Are Wearables Accurate for VO2 Max?

41:46 Where to Find Dr. Joseph WatsoThanks for watching!

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