Supramaximal Walkouts Protect Against Performance Decrements Experienced in Repeated Sets of Back Squats.

Abstract: Griest, TD, McCarthy, CM, Rentería, LI, Paterson, KGP, Eurich, DF, Laskin, GR, and Ormsbee, MJ. Supramaximal walkouts protect against performance decrements experienced in repeated sets of back squats. J Strength Cond Res 39(6): 617-624, 2025-The purpose of this study was to determine whether performing supramaximal walkouts (SMW) enhances subsequent repeated back squat performance. Thirteen resistance-trained men (age: 23.2 ± 3.0 years, 1 repetition maximum [1RM] back squat: 2.1 ± 0.4 kg·bodymass -1 ) completed 2 trials in a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover design. Each trial began with 1 back squat at 92.5% 1RM (PRE). Five minutes post-PRE, subjects un-racked either 110% 1RM (SMW) or 30% 1RM (CON) for a 10-second hold. After 5 minutes rest, 3 sets of 1 back squat at 92.5% 1RM were completed with 5 minutes between each. Performance and muscle activation indicators were measured during each repetition. All data were analyzed through Friedman's 2-way ANOVA by ranks. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Average power and velocity decreased from PRE in all 3 sets ( p < 0.05) following CON. Following SMW, these variables decreased during POST2 and POST3 ( p < 0.05) but not POST1 ( p > 0.219). In addition, rating of perceived exertion was elevated at POST2 following CON ( p = 0.044), while there were no differences with SMW ( p = 0.716). Peak power, peak velocity, and electromyography amplitude of the vastus lateralis and gluteus maximus were unaltered ( p > 0.077). Performing an SMW at 110% 1RM before back squats may attenuate performance decrements resulting from repeated repetitions for 1 set and, therefore, could be used to maintain performance for 1 additional set during training.