Abstract
Introduction: This study examined the effects of a low-impact external loading warm-up intervention (~25% body mass) on reactive strength index (RSI), running economy (RE), and run to exhaustion (RTE) performance.
Methods: Thirteen recreationally competitive, middle-aged (38±11 years) male runners completed a familiarization session and two counterbalanced trials. Experimental trials began with the same 10-min self-selected warm-up followed by a 15-min treadmill walk (4.02 km/h) at multiple grades without (CON) or with a 19.2 kg weighted vest (VEST). Perceived readiness (PRS) was assessed post warm-up. Participants then completed three, 5-minute RE bouts at a fixed velocity of 11.3 km/h, and 80% and 90% of estimated 5-km race pace followed by a RTE. RSI tests were performed in triplicate before and after the VEST or CON walk and between each RE bout.
Results: PRS (VEST = 76±14 vs CON = 70±14 mm; p = 0.18), heart rate, VO2, respiratory exchange ratio and metabolic cost did not differ (p > 0.05 at every pace). No treatment effect was found for RSI, but there was an effect for time due to a trend of post warm-up RSI favoring VEST. Finishing times for RTE did not differ (p = 0.69) between CON (510±158 s) and VEST (519±141 s).
Conclusions: VEST failed to elicit statistical advantage in RSI, RE, or RTE in recreationally competitive male distance runners. However, examination of individual PRS and immediate post-warm-up RSI outcomes to RTE suggests positive responders are identifiable and may benefit from this novel, low-impact post-activation potentiation enhancement strategy.
Abstract 740 |
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Description
Investigates the impact of a weighted warm-up on running performance metrics.