103: Do Weighted Vests Do Anything For Us?

In this episode of the Movement Logic Podcast, Dr. Sarah Court, PT, delves into the trend of walking with weighted vests to improve bone density, especially among perimenopausal and menopausal women.She reviews multiple long-term and short-term studies on the subject, comparing the effectiveness of weighted vests in bone metabolism, bone mineral density, and balance improvement. Sarah argues that while weighted vests do not significantly impact bone density for most people, they could be beneficial for balance and cardiovascular endurance, especially for the deconditioned or frail. She also discusses the importance of proper exercise regimens like progressive overload and impact training for bone growth. The episode concludes with practical advice on when a weighted vest might be suitable.00:43 The Weighted Vest Trend in Menopause Marketing02:38 Debunking the Myths: Evidence on Weighted Vests06:10 Research Study: Long-term Exercise with Weighted Vests13:08 Research Study: Walking Exercise with and without Weighted Vests17:48 Research Study: Short-term Aerobic Exercise with Weighted Vests23:45 Conclusion: The Real Benefits of Weighted Vests28:51 Final ThoughtsSign up for our Bone Density Mini Course: Barbell 101!Follow us on Instagram @movementlogictutorialsReferences:37 Plyometrics - Get More Bang For Your Bones38 Got Bones? Yoga Asana Isn't Enough51 Persistent Myths About Osteoporosis53 Your Bones Are Bored84 Trick or Truth: 6 Ways to Spot Osteoporosis Misinformation91 LIFTMOR, Not Less: An Interview With Professor Belinda Beck96 Bone Density Grifters: Introducing the Grift-O-Meter!Instagram post #1Instagram post #2Long-term Exercise Using Weighted Vests Prevents Hip Bone Loss in Postmenopausal WomenWeighted Vest Exercise Improves Indices of Fall Risk in Older WomenA Comparison between the Effects of the Walking Exercise with and without Weighted Vests on Bone Resorption and Health-Related Physical Fitness in the Working WomenEffects of short-term aerobic exercise with and without external loading on bone metabolism and balance in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis