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PRE-RUN WALK UNDER LOAD DOES NOT ALTER RUNNING ECONOMY, OR PERFORMANCE OF MALE RUNNERS

Abstract

David A Lara1, Savanna N Knight1, Lynnsey R Bowling1, Lauren G Killen1, Hunter S Waldman1, Eric M Scudamore2, & Eric K O’Neal1

1University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama; 2Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of a post-activation potentiation (PAP) intervention on 4 jump, lower body reactive strength index (RSI), running economy (RE) at multiple paces, and a run to exhaustion (RTE) performance task. METHODS: Recreationally competitive, male runners (n = 13) completed a familiarization session and two counterbalanced trials, each separated by 5 to 7 days. Experimental trials began with the same 10-minute self-selected warm-up followed by a 15-min treadmill walk (4 km/h) at various grades without (CON) or with a 19.2 kg (25.2 ± 2.9 % of body mass) weighted vest (VEST). Participants 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. RTE was attempted at estimated 5-km pace and grade of 1-4% with design intentions to induce exhaustion at ~6-9 min. RSI tests were performed in triplicate before and after the VEST or CON walk and between each RE bout. RESULTS: Heart rate, VO2, and respiratory exchange ratio did not differ (p > 0.05) at the standardized pace or 80 and 90% of 5-km pace. No main effect for treatment was found for RSI. Finishing times for RTE did not differ (p = 0.69) between CON (510 ± 158 min) and VEST (519 ± 141 min). CONCLUSION: Previous distance running PAP weight vest interventions more dynamic in nature have resulted in equivocal outcomes. The heavier, lower impact VEST intervention implemented in this study failed to provide advantage in RSI, RE, or performance in male runners.

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