What is Peak Systemic Oxygen Extraction (pEO2)?

Peak systemic oxygen extraction (pEO2) refers to the maximum amount of oxygen the body extracts from the bloodstream during intense physical activity or high metabolic demand. This measurement is often used in exercise physiology and sports science to assess the efficiency of oxygen utilization by tissues and muscles. During exercise, the demand for oxygen increases as muscles require more energy to perform work. Peak systemic oxygen extraction reflects how effectively the cardiovascular and respiratory systems deliver oxygen to the working muscles and how efficiently the muscles extract and use that oxygen to produce energy.

The measurement of pEO2 is typically expressed as a percentage, representing the proportion of oxygen extracted from the blood and utilized by the tissues at the peak of exertion. Monitoring pEO2 can provide insights into an individual's aerobic capacity, cardiovascular fitness, and overall exercise performance. pEO2 is often considered in conjunction with other variables such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood lactate levels.