Which of these factors does NOT contribute to an increase in VO2 max?

The factor that does not contribute to an increase in VO2 max is an increase in elastic recoil of the lungs. VO2 max, or maximal oxygen uptake, is a measure of the body’s ability to take in and utilize oxygen during intense exercise. It is influenced by various physiological adaptations primarily related to the cardiovascular and muscular systems.

Increased cardiac output plays a crucial role in enhancing VO2 max as it refers to the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute. Higher cardiac output means more oxygen-rich blood is delivered to the muscles, increasing their ability to perform.

An increase in skeletal muscle mitochondrial density is essential as well because more mitochondria mean that muscle cells can utilize oxygen more effectively for energy production. This improved efficiency can lead to better endurance and higher VO2 max.

Moreover, increased hemoglobin levels contribute positively to VO2 max by enhancing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. More hemoglobin means that more oxygen can be transported to the tissues during exercise, further aiding aerobic metabolism.

In contrast, while elastic recoil of the lungs is important for effective breathing and maintaining lung function, it does not have a direct impact on increasing VO2 max. This factor mainly influences how well the lungs can expel air and does not necessarily enhance the overall