The Impact of Weighted Vest Exercise on Central Hemodynamics

Exercise enthusiasts use ergogenic aids, such as weighted vests, to improve health and enhance exercise adaptations. Previous studies suggest that weighted vest use during exercise may influence peripheral blood pressure (BP). While peripheral BP provides insight into cardiovascular health, central blood pressure (cBP)—though more challenging to assess—is a more accurate index of cardiovascular stress. Recent advancements have enabled noninvasive estimation of cBP using validated modeling techniques. However, the impact of weighted vest use on estimated cBP remains unclear. PURPOSE: To examine differences in estimated cBP with and without a weighted vest at self-selected exercise intensity. METHODS: In two study visits, 17 physically active adults (n = 6 women) ran 0.5 miles on a treadmill at an exertion level corresponding to 11-12 RPE on the Borg scale, once wearing a weighted vest standardized to 10% of their body weight and once wearing the vest unweighted. A brachial oscillometric cuff was used to measure the suprasystolic BP waveform and estimate central hemodynamic variables at baseline, 5 minutes after exercise, and 15 minutes after exercise. cBP and peripheral augmentation index (pAIx) were estimated by simulating the arterial system using elastic, thin-walled tube elements and the Navier-Stokes equation. A RM-ANOVA was used to determine time effects on the variables of interest with and without the weighted vest. RESULTS: There was no significant time × condition interaction effect of the weighted vest on systolic cBP (Vest Pre: 105±9 mmHg, Vest Post1: 115±13 mmHg, Vest Post2: 109±10 mmHg; No Vest Pre: 107±10 mmHg, No Vest Post1: 113±8 mmHg, No Vest Post2: 110±8 mmHg; p > 0.05), diastolic cBP (Vest Pre: 62±7 mmHg, Vest Post1: 74±8 mmHg, Vest Post2: 71±8 mmHg; No Vest Pre: 64±8 mmHg, No Vest Post1: 74±8 mmHg, No Vest Post2: 69±6 mmHg; p > 0.05), or pAIx (Vest Pre: 32±9%, Vest Post1: 25±11%, Vest Post2: 24±10%; No Vest Pre: 31±13%, No Vest Post1: 25±13%, No Vest Post2: 27±13%; p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Jogging a half-mile with a weighted vest did not significantly alter central hemodynamics compared to jogging a half-mile without a weighted vest. When given the option to self-select exercise intensity, participants appeared to maintain a similar level of exertion and hemodynamic load regardless of weighted vest use.