This study evaluated the metabolic cost and stride frequency during exercise while wearing an evenly distributed weight vest in recreationally fit women. Nine healthy women performed a modified Balke treadmill test until volitional fatigue in one of three conditions; (1) unloaded (2) rucksack and (3) weighted vest. Wearing a weighted vest did not show improvement of V?(O2peak), HRpeak, peak stride frequency or average stride frequency (all p >= 0.05). However, total time of exercise was significantly longer in the evenly distributed weight vest condition compared to the rucksack condition (p = 0.024) despite similar V?(O2peak) and HRpeak. These results may provide practical information when females in tactical populations are preparing for missions in which heavy loads must be carried. Practitioner summary: This study compared the effects of load carriage mode on metabolic cost and stride frequency during graded exercise in females. The weighted vest showed significantly longer exercise time despite similar V?(O2peak) and HRpeak. Development of standardised weight distribution mode may serve as an advantageous strategy for females in tactical settings.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate physiological and cognitive changes following a 6-week lower-body resistance training protocol. METHODS: Eight healthy men volunteered to participate in a 6-week resistance training protocol using the back squat (BS) and conventional deadlift (DL). Each participant went through a 1-week pre-testing period consisting of anthropometric measurements, vertical jump performance, 1-repetition maximum (1RM) testing of BS and DL, maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), cognitive performance, and total mood disturbance (TMD). Participants were then randomly placed into one of two experimental groups. The two groups were 90-seconds (90s) rest between sets (n= 5) and 3-minutes (3m) rest between sets (n= 3). Each group came into the lab for testing sessions twice per week, separated by at least forty-eight hours. In each session, the participants performed 3 sets of 5 repetitions using eighty-five percent of the previously determined 1RM for DL and BS. RESULTS: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a main effect of time for BS (p = 0.026), and main effect of group for vertical jump (p = 0.041). The 3m group increased BS performance (p = 0.020), while the 90s group improved vertical jump (p = 0.031). Group by time interactions were observed for two measures of cognitive performance: Interference score (p = 0.048) and Word-Color score (p = 0.050). Additionally, a group by time interaction was also observed for TMD (p = 0.004). Despite the trending increase of executive function in the 3m group, a worsened TMD score post-intervention was observed (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Minimal rest improved power within the 90s group while the 3m group significantly improved lower body strength. Cognitive function only appeared to improve in the 3m group. Despite no increase in strength for the 90s group, it appears minimal rest is advantageous for athletes looking to enhance power performance, although further research is necessary.