The Optimal Weight Carriage System for Runners: Comparison Between Handheld Water Bottles, Waist Belts, and Backpacks

Abstract

In endurance running, where fluid and nutritional support is not always readily available, the carriage of water and nutrition is essential. To compare the economy and physiological demands of different carriage systems, 12 recreational runners (mean age 22.8 ± 2.2 years, body mass index 24.5 ± 1.8 kg m −2 , VO 2 max 50.4 ± 5.3 ml kg −1 min −1), completed four running tests, each of 60-min duration at individual running speeds (mean running speed 9.5 ± 1.1 km h −1) on a motorized treadmill, after an initial exercise test. Either no load was carried (control) or loads of 1.0 kg, in a handheld water bottle, waist belt, or backpack. Economy was assessed by means of energy cost (CR), oxygen cost (O 2 cost), heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). CR [F(2,20) = 37.74, p < 0.01, η p 2 = 0.79], O 2 cost [F(2,20) = 37.98, p < 0.01, η p 2 = 0.79], HR [F(2,18) = 165.62, p < 0.01, η p 2 = 0.95], and RPE [F(2,18) = 165.62, p < 0.01, η p 2 = 0.95] increased over time, but no significant differences were found between the systems. Carrying a handheld water bottle, waist belt, or backpack, weighing 1.0 kg, during a 60-min run exhibited similar physiological changes. Runners' choice may be guided by personal preference in the absence of differences in economy (CR, O 2 cost, HR, and RPE).

Acute Effects on Impact Accelerations Running with Objects in the Hand

“…Life 2021, 11, 550 2 of 9 Some amateur runners usually run carrying various implements in their hands (like keys, a mobile phone, or a bottle of water). Professional athletes (especially in longdistance competitions) should maintain an appropriate nutritional and fluid intake to avoid performance reductions and/or medical problems [14]. Thus, they usually carry fluids and nutritional supplements in competitions and during their training sessions.…”