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

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.