The term that describes the measure of how well the body uses oxygen during intense exercise is VO2 max. This metric reflects an individual's aerobic capacity and is a strong indicator of endurance fitness. It measures the maximum amount of oxygen utilized during exercise, and a higher VO2 max suggests better cardiovascular efficiency. Improved VO2 max is often associated with performance enhancements in sports, as individuals can sustain higher intensities for longer periods. Training modalities like interval training and sustained aerobic activities can help increase VO2 max over time.