For athletes—whether elite or aspiring—every rep, sprint, and drill counts. Backed by scientific research, microloading tools like OMORPHO’s G-Vest and G-Wear can elevate training by boosting speed, power, and resilience without limiting movement. At the center is the MicroLoad™ design, which distributes small weights evenly across the body for a natural, unrestricted feel. Paired with OMORPHO’s lightweight G-Wear line, athletes can fine-tune their training to push performance higher. From the field and court to the track and gym, OMORPHO helps athletes go further using science-driven benefits.
Studies on microloading show measurable improvements in sprint acceleration, vertical jump height, endurance, and power when athletes include weighted vests in their training. Here’s what the research reveals:
Improve Acceleration and Sprint Speed
Speed is one of the most valuable—and trainable—skills in sports. Whether it’s chasing down a breakaway, exploding off the line, or cutting through defenders, quickness can be the difference-maker. That’s where microloading, like the OMORPHO G-Tight, comes in.
A 2020 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that soccer players training with wearable resistance equivalent to 0.6%–1.75% of body mass improved sprint acceleration by 3.3% in just eight weeks [1]. That’s the kind of progress that turns into sharper first steps, faster breaks, and quicker pace changes during play. By subtly increasing resistance without altering mechanics, OMORPHO helps fire up the fast-twitch muscle fibers responsible for explosive movement—speed you can rely on in game conditions.
Other researchers have shown that adding a weighted vest to an athlete’s warm-up improved sprint performance immediately afterward [2]. The best results came from using vests equal to 10% of body mass—lighter loads that kept speed training fast and efficient. With the G-Vest’s 5–10 lb design, sprint training gets an extra boost without weighing you down, while G-Wear adds variety to speed drills.
Greater Endurance
Endurance isn’t just about lasting longer—it’s about staying strong when fatigue sets in. Microloading helps athletes maintain intensity when it matters most.
In 2021, the European Journal of Sport Science reported that rugby athletes training with resistance equal to 1% of body mass were able to maintain performance during an offseason program, while athletes without resistance saw performance drop [3]. Put simply, those using microloading got more out of the same amount of training.
Why? Adding resistance raises the metabolic challenge and intensity of each session [4]. For sports like soccer, basketball, or tennis—where repeated bursts of high-intensity movement are key—this helps athletes build the ability to sustain effort, recover quickly between plays, and stay sharp late in the game.
Increased Vertical Jump Height
A higher vertical jump isn’t just a show of power, it often changes outcomes in competition. From rebounding in basketball to spiking in volleyball, or clearing the bar in track and field, explosive lower-body strength is game-changing.
One study in the European Journal of Sport Science showed athletes training with weighted vests improved their vertical jump by 8.7% [5]. That’s a big leap forward. By adding small amounts of resistance, the body adapts by producing more force and improving neuromuscular coordination—creating lasting improvements in jump performance. For athletes who want to quite literally rise above the rest, microloading offers a simple but powerful tool.
Unleash Explosive Power
Explosiveness (the ability to generate force fast) is critical for sprinting, jumping, and high-speed direction changes. Training with MicroLoad™ lets athletes add resistance while still moving freely, which sharpens technique and prepares the body for game demands.
The same European Journal of Sport Science study found that athletes using weighted vests improved explosive power by 5.8% over just five weeks [5]. A 2019 case study in the Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning also showed gains: athletes improved horizontal force production by 7.1%, cutting sprint times by 2.4–3.4% in five weeks [6].
The takeaway? Microloading drives neuromuscular adaptations that directly enhance performance on the field, court, or track. It’s not about piling on weight—it’s about adding just enough to get more out of every explosive movement.
Why Elite Athletes Choose OMORPHO
The OMORPHO MicroLoad™ system is built for athletes who want results without compromise. Unlike bulky alternatives, the G-Vest and G-Wear offer a form-fitting, breathable, and adjustable design for comfort and precision during training.
And the science is clear: training with MicroLoad™ can unlock performance gains across the board—from faster sprints and sharper endurance, to higher jumps and more explosive power. That’s why athletes at every level turn to OMORPHO to get the most out of every workout.
REFERENCES
- Bustos, A., Metral, G., Cronin, J., Uthoff, A., Dolcetti, J. (2022). Effects of warming up with lower-body wearable resistance on physical performance measure in soccer players over an 8-week training cycle. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(5), 1220-1226.
- Bright, T.E., Hughes, J.D., Handford, M.J., Annis, B., Westwood, C. (2022). The acute effects of weighted vest protocols on 20-metre sprint performance in youth soccer players. International Journal of Strength and Conditioning, 2(1).
- Feser, E.H., Bayne, H., Loubser, I., Bezodis, N.E., Cronin, J.B. (2021). Wearable resistance sprint running is superior to training with no load for retaining performance in pre-season training for rugby athletes. European Journal of Sport Science, 21(7), 967-975.
- Grobler L, Feser, E. (2021). The effect of running with Omorpho G-Top LS and G-Tight on running economy and energy expenditure. [White Paper] Omorpho, Inc.
- Marriner, C.R., Cronin, J.B., Macadam, P., Storey, A. (2017). Redistributing load using wearable resistance during power clean training improves athletic performance. European Journal of Sport Science, 17(9), 1101-1109.
- Macadam, P., Nuell, S., Cronin, J.B., Diewald, S., Neville, J. (2019). Thigh positioned wearable resistance improves 40m sprint performance: A longitudinal single case design study. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 27(4), 39-45.
