Effects of Pre-Run Walk Under Load on Reactive Strength Index, Running Economy, and Performance of Recreationally Competitive, Male Runners Original Research
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Keywords
external loading, weight vest, running economy, running peformance, reactive strenth index
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.
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Copyright, 2025 by the authors. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Eric K. O'Neal, University of North Alabama
Cole Honor College, Director of Undergraduate Research
Professor of Exercise Science, Department of Kinesiology