Weighted vests (WV) worn during training can improve strength, endurance, and minimize the need for separate additional resistance training sessions. A WV provides external mass across the upper body and the chest while training. Due to the high versatility, WVs can be worn during a wide variety of exercises such as running and plyometric activities. Weighted vests are commonly incorporated by runners not only to complete running and resistance training together but improve performance. Extra demands placed on the muscular, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems when running with a WV can increase lower-body strength and endurance. This study investigated the effects of weighted vest training (WVT) on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), non-invasive estimated cardiac output (CO), lactate threshold, (LT) concentration, and running economy (RE).
