VO2 Testing with the Wattbike AtomX

What is VO2 Testing - and Why Does It Matter?

VO2 max testing is widely regarded as the gold standard for measuring aerobic fitness. It determines the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilise during intense exercise, offering deep insights into cardiovascular health, endurance potential, and training prescription.

Using a ramp protocol, the athlete cycles at increasing intensities while wearing a facemask connected to a gas analysis system. These systems — such as , VO2 Master, COSMED and Cortex (amongst others) - capture breath-by-breath respiratory data in real time.

This allows labs and coaches to:

• Establish baseline aerobic capacity
• Identify ventilatory thresholds
• Personalise training zones
• Monitor progress over time

In high-performance gyms, university labs, and research facilities, accuracy and repeatability are essential when conducting VO2 testing. The Wattbike AtomX has been designed with this in mind. Offering seamless integration with leading metabolic testing systems, automated protocol execution, and real-time data feedback.

Whether you're running elite athlete assessments or conducting research trials, the AtomX makes VO2 testing easy to administer and allows those being tested to just get on and ride.

Why Choose a Bike Over a Treadmill for VO2 Testing?

While treadmills are commonly used for VO2 tests, bike-based testing offers multiple advantages - particularly in controlled, research-based environments:

• Superior test control: Power output on a Wattbike is precise, repeatable, and unaffected by human error. This is ideal for longitudinal studies or high-volume testing sessions.
• Safer for participants: Cycling is non-weight-bearing, reducing risk for individuals with any orthopaedic concerns or those unfamiliar with treadmill use that could be more likely to fall. 
• Automated resistance changes: Unlike treadmills, where speed and incline must be manually adjusted, the Wattbike AtomX automatically follows ramp protocols sent via bluetooth connected to VO2 software.

Seamless Integration with VO2 Testing Systems

The Wattbike AtomX has been developed to integrate effortlessly with third-party testing systems via Bluetooth. When paired with platforms like VO2 Master, COSMED or Cortex, the AtomX becomes a fully responsive test ergometer.

Key Integration Features:

• Real-time automated resistance control
• Ramp protocol integration
• Hands-free operation — no manual input needed
• Live transmission of rider metrics, including:
• Heart Rate
• Cadence
• Power Output (Watts)

With these capabilities, the AtomX transforms the testing process into a streamlined, technician-friendly experience. All the rider needs to do is pedal - the bike does the rest.

Real-World Application: Wattbike AtomX + VO2 Master

The AtomX is used frequently in university labs and elite performance environments to simplify and improve VO2 testing, when paired with a V02 Master, one of the world’s leading providers of cardiopulmonary diagnostic equipment you can get instant feedback wihthout the faff.

How It Works in Practice:

• VO2 Master software sends protocol commands via Bluetooth to the AtomX
• The AtomX automatically adjusts resistance to match each stage of the ramp
• Cadence, power, and heart rate data are sent back in real time to COSMED’s data capture system
• Operators focus on observation and safety, with no manual adjustments being required

“The synergy between the Wattbike and Atom-X is more than just an integration.  Simply by entering the VO2 Master protocol for a graded exercise test or an interval session, the VO2 Master software seamlessly sends a control signal to the AtomX to maintain a constant power, regardless of the client’s cadence.

 

If the workload is too low or too high, this can be instantaneously adjusted in the VO2 Master app or on the Wattbike itself. 

This makes testing athletes, clients and patients effortless for the user.

 

The VO2 Master app will also then graph the workload, speed and cadence and report these in an Excel table on a second-by-second basis.”

Dr. Gary Palmer, Stanley Sports

This integration ensures accurate data, smoother workflows, and reduced testing errors - all while enhancing the athlete experience.

Scientifically Validated for Testing and Research

The Wattbike has been independently validated in multiple peer-reviewed studies, confirming its accuracy, reliability, and suitability for physiological testing:

"The Wattbike has been show to be both valid and reliable for measuring submaximal and peak physiological responses including VO2 Max."

This study demonstrated close agreement between Wattbike power output and SRM power meters - a long-established research-grade standard.

HOPKER ET AL. (2010), JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES

"The Wattbike was show to be a valid tool for performance testing in competitive cyclists, especially when using ramp and incremental protocols."

Atkins et al. (2015), IJSPP

These findings support the AtomX’s role in academic and performance settings, where consistent and repeatable data is essential for high-quality research.

Designed for Performance Environments

The AtomX isn’t just a smart trainer - it’s a lab-grade ergometer designed for use in clinical, academic, and elite sport environments:

• Bluetooth-enabled, app-controlled resistance
• Validated performance metrics
• Quiet, low-maintenance design
• Built-in touchscreen interface
• Fully compatible with testing systems such as VO2 Master, COSMED, Cortex, and many more

The Wattbike AtomX elevates VO2 testing from a manual, error-prone process to a seamless, science-backed experience. Supporting facilities worldwide deliver better testing outcomes, with less setup and greater confidence.

Want to find out more about AtomX to elevate your facility?

Click the link below to chat with a member of our team.

https://commercial.wattbike.com/pages/distro-uk