Change In Walking Economy After Resistance Training With Weight Gain In Young Adult Athletes

Abstract

Walking economy (WE) describes the relative efficiency to perform steady-state walking at a set submaximal intensity. Previous studies have demonstrated a positive effect of aerobic exercise, resistance training (RT), and weight loss on WE in various age groups of adults. However, the impact of weight gain during RT on WE has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we explored the influence of RT combined with a modest caloric surplus intervention on WE in young adult athletes. PURPOSE:To examine changes in WE in young adult athletes after a 10-week RT and dietary intervention designed to promote healthy body mass gains. METHODS:28 athletes (16 male, 12 female; 25±6y) participated in a supervised, hypertrophy-focused RT program (3 days/week, 60-120 min/day) for 10 weeks, while consuming an extra 500 kcal/d from study-provided snacks. A steady-state WE treadmill test (4 min each at 3, 3.5, and 4 mph at a fixed 0% grade) using indirect calorimetry was performed at baseline and after RT. WE was calculated by averaging 15-sec values from the last 2 min of each stage. Body composition was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at both timepoints.