Influence of warm-up duration on perceived exertion and subsequent physical performance of soccer players

Acute effects of different warm-up duration on internal load and external load responses of soccer players in small sided games

BACKGROUND

Soccer is a dynamic sport that involves high-intensity running, changes of direction, jumping and contact. Therefore, a proper warm-up duration is of great importance to optimize players'performance and minimize the risk of injury.

METHODS

This study examined the responses of amateur young 16 players (age = 17.00 ± 0.81 years; height = 177.38 ± 5.50 cm; weight = 64.50 ± 5.45 kg) 25 min (min), 15 min and 8 min warm-up duration in 4 v 4 small-sided games (SSGs) with mini-goal formats. Participants are assessed using the Participant Classification Framework, they are categorized under Tier 2: Trained/Developmental. The SSG interventions were randomly assigned to three training intervention groups. The features of SSG are determined as size; 25 × 32 m, bout; 4 × 4 min, resting; 4 min. Before the SSG, same protocol was applied at different times in all warm-ups. Warm-up protocols consisted of 13 sections. The intervention time in each section decreased parallel to the total 25 min, 15 min and 8 min warm-up times. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR) responses, distance covered and technical activities were consistently recorded during all SSG sessions. A one-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess significant differences in performance among the different warm-up duration.

RESULTS

After the interventions, HR, total player load (TPL), successful passes (SP), unsuccessful passes (USP), interceptions and lost ball results demonstrated significant difference between the 25-min, 15-min and 8-min warm-up durations (p < 0.05). Total distance, velocity, RPE and enjoyment results showed no significant difference between the 25-min, 15-min and 8-min warm-up duration (p > 0.05). Results indicate that a 15-min warm-up duration provides an optimal balance between physiological and technical preparation, leading to improved HR responses, SP and interceptions compared to the 25-min and 8-min warm-ups. The 25-min warm-up decreased USP and lost ball occurrences compared to the 15-min and 8-min warm-ups. The 8-min warm-up resulted in a lower TPL, indicating reduced physiological demands.

CONCLUSIONS

The 15-min warm-up duration emerged as an optimal protocol, offering a time-efficient approach that enhances both technical performance and physiological readiness while avoiding unnecessary fatigue. This finding provides practical implications for coaches and practitioners in designing warm-up routines that maximize match readiness without overexertion.

Individuality Affects the Efficiency of Basketball Pre-Game Warm-Up on Players' Performance

Pre-game warm-up is integral to athletes' preparation before a basketball game. The main objectives of this study were to compare specific performance indicators before and immediately after a basketball pre-game warm-up, and examine the individualized players' responses. The impact of rest intervals after warm-up (9-23 min) was also examined. A total of 20 male basketball players (age: 21.15 ± 2.2 years; body mass: 82.23 ± 10.78 kg; body height: 184.18 ± 7.9 cm) performed a pre-game warm-up and were assessed in selected indicators such as heart rate (HR), flexibility, running speed, and countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJAS) before, immediately after, 9 min and 23 min after warm-up. Immediately after warm-up, HR increased to all players (mean change: 69.78%), while flexibility (mean change: 20.14%) and CMJAS (mean change: 4.95%) increased to the majority of players (except one and two players, respectively). The individualized results regarding speed were conflicting, showing a decrease or increase. However, 9 and 23 min after warm-up, there was a decrease in HR, speed, and CMJAS (p < 0.5), while flexibility remained stable (p > 0.5) in the total sample, with great change variations among players. In conclusion, it seems that each player's individuality may affect the warm-up's efficiency. Thus, it is important to carefully design the pre-game warm-up so that all players will be in the most suitable condition to meet the demands of their competition.

Comparison between Warm-Up Protocols in Post-Activation Potentiation Enhancement (PAPE) of Sprint and Vertical Jump Performance in a Female Futsal Team

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of three warm-up protocols, with and without post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE), on sprint and vertical jump performance in female athletes. Twenty-five university futsal athletes were randomly assigned to three protocols: i) Traditional Warm-Up (TWU), involving cardiovascular, coordination exercises, and dynamic stretching; ii) Drop Jump Warm-Up (DJWU), consisting of drop jumps from heights of 30 and 40 cm; and iii) Maximum Isometric Warm-Up (MIWU), with high-intensity isometric contractions held for 10 seconds in a squat position at approximately 130-135 degrees of knee flexion. Tests included the countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) and a 20-meter sprint (S20). The CMVJ showed a significant increase across all three groups (F(1,72) = 125.312; p < .0001; ηp2 = 0.635), while S20 displayed a significant time reduction only for MIWU (p = .002). Although no significant differences were found between groups, individual analysis revealed significant CMVJ differences for TWU, DJWU, and MIWU (p < .0001). We conclude that PAPE effectiveness varies according to protocol and individual athlete characteristics; however, maximum isometric exercises appear to have a more pronounced effect on PAPE production in sprint performance.

Acute Effects of a Warm-Up Intervention on Pain, Productivity, Physical Capacities and Psychological Perceptions Among Vineyard Workers: a Cluster Randomized Trial

PURPOSE

Agriculture is one of the sectors that are the most concerned by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Workplace physical activity programs are one of the most promising solutions to prevent adverse consequences of MSDs such as pain or impairment in physical capacities. The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to investigate the acute effect of a warm-up session on pain, work performance, physical capacities and psychosocial perceptions among vineyard workers; (2) to determine the most beneficial warm-up modality for vineyard workers.

METHODS

A cluster randomized study was implemented among 92 French vineyard workers. A 15 min single session of warm-up was implemented among four groups corresponding to four different conditions: (1) hybrid warm-up intervention (HWU); (2) dynamic warm-up intervention (DWU); (3) stretching warm-up intervention (SWU); (4) no warm-up intervention (CONTROL).

RESULTS

DWU showed significant increased performance (p < 0.05), increased heart rate (p < 0.001), better readiness to work (p < 0.05) and lower workload (p < 0.05) than the CONTROL. HWU showed a better readiness to work (p < 0.01). SWU showed better work quality (p < 0.05). However, the three different warm-up protocols did significantly not differ from the CONTROL group in terms of perceived pain intensity, and physical capacities.

CONCLUSION

The present findings confirm some beneficial acute effects on performance, heart rate and psychological perceptions of a single warm-up session performed before pruning. The DWU seems to be the most beneficial warm-up modality.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05425693. Registered 06/16/2022 in www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov .

Revisiting the 'Whys' and 'Hows' of the Warm-Up: Are We Asking the Right Questions?

The warm-up is considered beneficial for increasing body temperature, stimulating the neuromuscular system and overall preparing the athletes for the demands of training sessions and competitions. Even when warm-up-derived benefits are slight and transient, they may still benefit preparedness for subsequent efforts. However, sports training and competition performance are highly affected by contextual factors (e.g., how is the opponent acting?), and it is not always clear what should be the preferred warm-up modalities, structure and load for each athlete and context. Further, we propose that the warm-up can also be used as a pedagogical and training moment. The warm-up may serve several different (albeit complementary) goals (e.g., rising body temperature, neuromuscular activation, attentional focus) and be performed under a plethora of different structures, modalities, and loads. The current commentary highlights the warm-up period as an opportunity to teach or improve certain skills or physical capacities, and not only as a preparation for the subsequent efforts. Moreover, the (justified) call for individualized warm-ups would benefit from educating athletes about exploring different warm-up tasks and loads, providing a broad foundation for future individualization of the warm-up and for more active, engaged, and well-informed participation of the athletes in deciding their own warm-up practices.

Acute Effect of Four Stretching Protocols on Change of Direction in U-17 Male Soccer Players

BACKGROUND

The ability to rapidly change direction while sprinting is a desirable athletic skill in soccer. Enhancing change of direction (COD) performance depends almost exclusively on specific training, with stretching traditionally considered one such intervention. However, the comparative impact of diverse stretching methods on COD in soccer players remains an area of interest. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of different stretching methods on COD ability in soccer players.

METHODS

Twelve male soccer players playing in the national championship football division II (age: 16.3 ± 0.3 years, height: 1.81 ± 0.10 m, body mass: 67.7 ± 7.2 kg) were tested for COD performance (i.e., Illinois agility test) after (1) control condition (20 min general warm-up without stretching), (2) static stretching, (3) dynamic stretching, (4) combined static-dynamic stretching, and (5) combined dynamic-static stretching. The duration of stretching intervention was approximately 6 min for static and dynamic stretching and 12 min for both the combined stretching conditions. The experimental sessions were separated by 72 h.

RESULTS

COD improved after dynamic stretching when compared to any other condition (p: 0.03-0.002; ηp2: 0.56-0.73), except for the control condition (p = 0.146; ηp2 = 0.18). In contrast, static stretching induced a detrimental effect on COD when compared only to the dynamic stretching condition (p < 0.01; ES = 1.35).

CONCLUSION

Dynamic stretching exercises used by male soccer players in the warm-up improved COD. Other forms of stretching exercises, particularly static stretching, negatively impacted the COD performance. Therefore, coaches can consider integrating dynamic stretching protocols tailored to the athletes' specific needs. Moreover, extending the investigation to encompass a wider range of athletes, including different age groups and genders, would enhance the applicability and generalization of the findings.

The effect of three different pre-match warm-up structures on male professional soccer players' physical fitness

BACKGROUND

Optimizing the soccer players' match preparation is one of the most relevant concerns of coaches for strength and conditioning training. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of three pre-match warm-up structures on the physical condition of male professional soccer players.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Seventeen male professional soccer players (age: 20.9 ± 2.4 years) of one Tunisian Professional Soccer League team participated in this study. Players performed three times a typical pre-match warm-up (WU) [aerobic phase (AE); neuromuscular phase (NM); velocity phase (VL); and ball-specific phase (BS) variating the order of the included phases/exercises: WU1 (AE + BS + NM + VL); WU2 (AE + NM + VL + BS); and WU3 (AE + VL + BS + NM). After each warm-up phase, players completed the following physical fitness tests: linear sprint test, countermovement jump test, 15-m ball dribbling agility test and ball shooting test. Additionally, the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was registered after each warm-up.

RESULTS

The results indicated significant differences between WU1 and WU3, with better results in the ball shooting test and RPE in WU3. In addition, there were no significant differences in the other variables and between other warm-up structures. These findings could be of great interest for coaches to the strength and conditioning coaches for professional soccer teams in order to improve the players physical performance and perceived exertion.

Effects of High-Intensity Exercise Repetition Number During Warm-up on Physiological Responses, Perceptions, Readiness, and Performance

Purpose: We investigated whether varying the number of repetitions of high-intensity exercise during work-matched warm-ups modulates physiological responses (heart rate, metabolic responses, and core temperature), perceptions (ratings of perceived exertion, effort of breathing), readiness for exercise, and short-term exercise performance. Methods: Ten physically active young males performed a 30-s Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) following a warm-up consisting of submaximal constant-workload cycling at 60% maximal oxygen uptake with no high-intensity cycling (constant-workload warm-up) or with 1, 4, or 7 repetitions of 10 s of high-intensity cycling at 110% maximal oxygen uptake. All warm-ups were matched for duration (10 min) and total work. Results: Warm-ups with seven repetitions of high-intensity cycling resulted in higher ratings of perceived whole-body exertion and effort of breathing than the constant-workload warm-up. Warm-up with four repetitions of high-intensity cycling produced greater readiness for a 30-s WAnT (7.33 ± 0.73 AU) than the constant-workload warm-up (6.33 ± 0.98 AU) (P = .022). Physiological responses did not differ among the four warm-up conditions, though peak heart rate was slightly higher (~5 beats/min) during warm-up with four or seven repetitions of high-intensity cycling than during the constant-workload warm-up. Peak, mean, and minimum power output during the 30-s WAnT did not differ among the four warm-up conditions. Conclusions: These results suggest that the effects of warm-ups with intermittent high-intensity exercise on physiological responses and short-term high-intensity exercise performance do not greatly differ from a warm-up with a work-matched submaximal constant-workload. However, they appear to modulate perceptions and readiness as a function of the number of repetitions of the high-intensity exercise.

Effects of a warm-up intervention at the workplace on pain, heart rate, work performance and psychological perception among vineyard workers

OBJECTIVES

Warm-up sessions before physical activity are widely used in sports to help prevent injury and improve performance. Nowadays, companies assume that the effects observed in a sport context can be transferred to the workplace, particularly among workers exposed to biomechanical strain. Yet research on the use of warm-up interventions at the workplace is rather scarce and, when available, leads to conflicting results due to the low quality of the studies. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published studies to date assessing the effects of warm-up sessions among vineyard workers. The present study was designed to investigate if and how a single supervised warm-up session could be effective on perceived pain intensity, heart rate, work performance, and psychological perceptions among vineyard workers.

METHODS

A total of 31 vineyard workers completed a randomized crossover study at the workplace. They were observed in real work settings, i.e. during the pruning activity. Each participant performed the activity under two conditions: 1) with a warm-up session beforehand (WU) and 2) without any warm-up (NWU). Heart rate (HR) was assessed continuously before and during the warm-up, and during the first hour of pruning. Perceived pain intensity over fifteen anatomical locations was assessed before (T0) and immediately after (T1) warm-up, and after the first hour of work (T2). Readiness to work was assessed at T1. Work performance was assessed in terms of the number of completed tasks (number of pruned vines). Perceived work quality and perceived work ability were assessed at T2.

RESULTS

Perceived pain intensity over the lumbopelvic region was significantly higher at T2 than at T0, and at T2 than at T1, in both WU and NWU. Perceived pain intensity was not significantly different at T2 in WU and NWU. HR at T1 was significantly higher in WU than in NWU. Work performance, readiness to work, and perceived work ability were significantly higher in WU than in NWU.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that offering vineyard workers a supervised warm-up session at the workplace can lead to promising results where work performance and psychological perception are concerned.

Warm-up optimization in amateur male soccer players: A comparison of small-sided games and traditional warm-up routines on physical fitness qualities

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of small-sided soccer games (SSSGs) and traditional warm-up (TWU) routines on physical fitness qualities in soccer players. Following a between-subject, randomized design, amateur-level soccer players were assigned to a SSSG warm-up (n = 10; age: 19.3 ± 2.8 years) or TWU group (n = 10; age: 19.3 ± 2.4 years). Players completed multiple trials of 10-m and 30-m linear sprints, change-of-direction speed (CODS) tests, and countermovement jumps (CMJ) prior to and following the warm-up routine. Separate mixed ANOVAs were performed to assess group effects (SSSG vs. TWU), time effects within each group (pre- vs. post-warm-up), and their interaction for each physical fitness quality. No significant interaction effects were observed for any dependent variable. Significant improvements were evident between baseline and follow-up measurements for 10-m sprint time (p = 0.002, Hedges' g effect size [g] = 0.59) and CMJ variables (height: p = 0.016, g = 0.20; power: p = 0.003, g = 0.19; force: p = 0.002, g = 0.14) in the TWU group and for CODS performance time (p = 0.012, g = 0.51) and CMJ variables (height: p < 0.001, g = 0.46; power: p = 0.002, g = 0.35; force: p = 0.001, g = 0.27) in the SSSG warm-up group. Both SSSG and TWU protocols improved selected physical fitness qualities with SSSG more effective at improving CODS and CMJ performance, and TWU more effective at improving linear speed. Soccer coaches may choose between SSSG or traditional warm-up activities according to player needs and preferences; however, the superior effects of SSSG suggest it might offer greater benefits than TWU in preparing players for optimal physical output.

Warm-up stretching exercises and physical performance of youth soccer players

This study aims to compare the effects of standard warm-up versus warm-up using stretching exercises on the physical performance of male youth soccer players. Eighty-five male soccer players (age: 10.3 ± 4.3 years; body mass index: 19.8 ± 4.3 kg/m²) were assessed for countermovement jump height (CMJ, cm), 10 m, 20 m and 30 m running sprint speed (s) and ball kicking speed (km/h) for the dominant and non-dominant leg under five (randomized) warm-up conditions. Using 72 h of recovery between conditions, the participants completed a control condition (CC) and four experimental conditions, including static stretching (SSC), dynamic stretching (DSC), ballistic stretching (BSC), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNFC) exercises. All warm-up conditions had a duration of 10 minutes. The main results indicate that no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between warm-up conditions compared to CC in CMJ (CC = 28.1 ± 4.9; SSC = 28.4 ± 4.9; DSC = 30.9 ± 4.8; BSC = 30.9 ± 5.2; PNFC = 28.4 ± 5.0), 10 m sprint (CC = 2.42 ± 0.4; SSC = 2.50 ± 0.4; DSC = 2.30 ± 0.3; BSC = 2.27 ± 0.3; PNFC = 2.53 ± 0.4), 20 m sprint (CC = 5.42 ± 0.9; SSC = 5.59 ± 0.9; DSC = 5.37 ± 0.9; BSC = 5.40 ± 0.9; PNFC = 5.44 ± 0.9), 30 m sprint (CC = 8.05 ± 1.3; SSC = 8.27 ± 1.3; DSC = 8.01 ± 1.3; BSC = 8.00 ± 1.3; PNFC = 8.12 ± 1.3), ball kicking speed for dominant (CC = 56.2 ± 4.9; SSC = 55.3 ± 5.2; DSC = 56.9 ± 5.8; BSC = 57.3 ± 5.8; PNFC = 55.7 ± 5.2) and non-dominant leg (CC = 52.8 ± 3.4; SSC = 51.8 ± 4.6; DSC = 53.5 ± 5.4; BSC = 53.6 ± 4.9; PNFC = 52.5 ± 4.0). In conclusion, compared to standard warm-up, stretching-based warm-up exerts no effect on male youth soccer players jump height, sprint speed and ball kicking speed.

Exploring acute effects of workplace warm-up intervention on pain, physical capacities, and productivity in agriculture:- A study protocol

BACKGROUND: Physical activity programs at the workplace have shown positive results on physical capacities and pain for several years. Due to the duration of the training session or the need for an instructor, these supervised programs are rather difficult to implement. For this reason, numerous companies, especially companies in manual sectors, are turning to another solution, i.e. warm-up intervention before the work shift. These interventions present various advantages such as short duration and the possibility to perform exercises in working clothes. Surprisingly, while the positive effects of warm-up interventions on pain, performance, and physical and psychological capacities are expansively reported in the sport context, effects of workplace warm-up intervention are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the acute effects of three different warm-up interventions on physical (pain, strength, flexibility) and psychological (workload) functions and also on work-related outcomes (work performance, readiness to work) among vineyard workers. METHODS: A cluster randomized study will be implemented among French vineyard workers. Four groups of 30 participants will be constituted; corresponding to four different conditions: (1) hybrid warm-up intervention (HWU); (2) dynamic warm-up intervention (DWU); (3) stretching warm-up intervention (SWU); (4) no warm-up intervention (NWU). A total of 120 vineyard workers will be recruited to participate in the study. CONCLUSION: The results will provide more evidence about the short-term effects of warm-up interventions at the workplace and will provide more evidence on which warm-up modality is the most effective on pain, performance, and physical and psychological capacities among vineyard workers.

Cognitive and Physical Effects of Warm-Up on Young Soccer Players

This study analyzed the effects of with (WC) or without conducting a warm up on youth soccer players immediately before performing physical and cognitive tests. Fourteen youth soccer player (age 11.64 ± 0.50) participated in a counterbalanced cross-sectional study in which three conditions were tested: (a) basal lineal condition; (b) WC (immediately before the physical and cognitive tests); and (c) without WC (passive resting for 15 min between the warm-up and physical and cognitive tests). A 30-m sprint test, countermovement jump, and psychomotor vigilance task were also applied. The WC revealed significant improvements in countermovement jump (p < .05), 30-m sprint test performance (p < .05), and reaction time in psychomotor vigilance task (p < .05) in comparison to basal lineal condition and without WC. A 15-min rest after a warm-up has a meaningfully decremental effect on the physical and cognitive readiness of youth soccer players, in comparison with when they warm-up immediately before the demands are imposed.

The influence of warm-up duration on simulated rugby league interchange match performance

OBJECTIVE

The study was conducted to understand the effects of a short (10 min) and a long (30 min) duration warm-up on subsequent readiness to exercise and movement during simulated rugby league match play. Methods: Using a randomised cross-over design, 13 male rugby players (age: 23.6 ± 4.1 y) completed 10- or 30-min warm-up immediately before 2 × 23 min rugby league movement simulation protocol. Results: Total distance, high- and low speed running and tympanic temperature (ES = 0.56 to 20.8) were all higher in the 30 min warm-up, with differences in relative distance and heart rate unclear (ES = -0.36 to 0.06). Differences in participants' readiness to exercise after the warm-ups were unclear (ES = 0.25). Differences between trials for movement characteristics (ES = -0.13 to -0.32), RPE (ES = -0.13 to 0.04) and B[La] after the simulation were mostly unclear, with only trivial changes in high-speed running (ES = 0.08) and a lower heart rate (ES = -0.26) between the two playing bouts after the 30 min warm-up trial. Conclusion: Practitioners can use warm-ups between 10 or 30 minutes for rugby league interchange players without any implications for subsequent match running performance.

Does Warming Up With Wearable Resistance Influence Internal and External Training Load in National Level Soccer Players?

BACKGROUND

Adding wearable resistance (WR) to training results in superior performance compared with unloaded conditions. However, it is unclear if adding WR during warm-up influences training load (TL) in the subsequent session. The aim of this research was to track TL in soccer players during the transition from late preseason to early in-season and examine whether adding WR to the lower leg during a warm-up influenced TL measures during warm-ups and on-field training sessions after WR was removed.

HYPOTHESIS

The addition of WR worn on the lower legs during an on-field warm-up would lead to decreases in relatively high-intensity external TL metrics, such as distance covered >6.11 m∙s^-1 and acceleration and deceleration >/<3 m∙s^-2 and increases in internal TL during the warm-up, yet would have little effect on the subsequent training session when WR was removed.

STUDY DESIGN

Matched-pair randomized design.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

METHODS

A total of 28 soccer players were allocated to either a WR training (WRT = 14) or unloaded (control [CON] = 14) group. Both groups performed the same warm-up and on-field training for 8 weeks, with the WRT group wearing 200 g to 600 g loads on their lower leg during the warm-up. External TL was measured via global positioning system data and internal TL was assessed using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE × time per session).

RESULTS

No statistically significant between-group differences (P ≥ 0.05) were identified for any TL measurement during either warm-ups or training sessions. Lower leg WR resulted in trivial to moderate effects for all external TL metrics (-16.9% to 2.40%; d = -0.61 to 0.14) and sRPE (-0.33%; d = -0.03) during the warm-up and trivial to small effects on all external TL metrics (-8.95% to -0.36%; d = -0.45 to -0.30) and sRPE (3.39%; d = 0.33) during training sessions.

CONCLUSION

Warming up with lower leg WR negatively affects neither the quality and quantity of the warm-up nor the subsequent training session once WR is removed.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Using WR on the lower leg during on-field warm-ups may be a means to "microdose" strength training while not unduly increasing TL. However, further research is needed to determine the influence of WR on strength qualities.

Effects of high intensity interval training and sprint interval training in patients with asthma: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to review the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT)/sprint interval training (SIT) on asthma symptoms, cardiorespiratory functions, and other variables among asthmatic patients.

DATA SOURCES

Randomized controlled trials published between January 2000 and January 2021 were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases.

STUDY SELECTIONS

Following pre-specified inclusion criteria, this review included 7 randomized controlled studies that compare HIIT/SIT as an intervention with any other intervention and/or control group.

RESULTS

Of the included studies only four reported the chronic phase effects of the HIIT/SIT protocols. HIIT and SIT protocols applied in studies differ. HIIT improved forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) in the acute phase and maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) in the chronic phase in the asthmatic patients (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, our systematic review is the first study evaluating the effects of HIIT/SIT protocols on asthma patients. HIIT/SIT protocols have beneficial effects on asthma patients. In order to better understand the results of these training procedures, studies that will be designed with high methodology are needed.

Acute effect of a static- and dynamic-based stretching warm-up on standing long jump performance in primary schoolchildren

The aim of the present study was to compare the acute effect of a static- vs dynamic-based stretching warm-up on standing long jump (SLJ) performance in primary schoolchildren. The sample was composed of 76 schoolchildren, 43 girls and 33 boys, aged 9–10 years old from three fourth-grade classes of Primary Education. The three groups were cluster-randomly assigned to the control (CG), static (SG) or dynamic (DG) groups. All the schoolchildren performed a standardized warm-up consisting of mobility exercises (five minutes), jogging (five minutes) and the SLJ test. Afterwards the CG schoolchildren received jump theory (eight minutes), the SG performed static stretching (eight minutes) and the DG performed dynamic-bounces stretching (eight minutes). Afterwards, all of them performed the SLJ test again. The results of the one-way ANOVA (F_2,73 = 34.184; p < 0.001; η²p = 0.484), followed by the pairwise comparisons with the Bonferroni adjustment, showed that the DG students (M_Δ = 11.07, SE = 1.42) made a significant statistical improvement in their SJL levels compared with the CG (M_Δ = -3.00, SE = 1.89; p < 0.001, d = 1.51) and SG students (M_Δ = -1.85, SE = 0.67; p < 0.001, d = 1.38). However, statistically significant differences between the CG and SG students were not found (p > 0.05, d = 0.12). The dynamic-bouncing stretch as a final part of a warm-up improves explosive strength performance in primary schoolchildren, and seems to be a good option before carrying out explosive strength activities of the lower body.

Evaluation of Performance Characteristics and Internal and External Training Loads in Female Collegiate Beach Volleyball Players

ABSTRACT

Bozzini, BN, McFadden, BA, Scruggs, SK, and Arent, SM. Evaluation of performance characteristics and internal and external training loads in female collegiate beach volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1559-1567, 2021-Although women's beach volleyball is the fastest growing collegiate sport, the training demands and performance characteristics have yet to be determined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate internal and external training loads throughout a competitive season and to quantify the performance characteristics of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women's beach volleyball players. Female beach volleyball players (N = 20) were monitored throughout the 6-week competitive season (T1-T6) using integrative global positioning systems (GPS) and heart rate (HR)-monitoring technology, which was individualized based on preseason testing, for the determination of workload metrics. In addition to team data, all variables were analyzed between travel (n = 11, regular match participation) and non-travel (n = 7) squad athletes (p < 0.05). Team performance metrics demonstrated the explosive power emphasis of the sport, with travel squad players exhibiting significantly greater vertical jump and jump velocity abilities than their non-travel counterparts (p < 0.05). Although few time main effects from T1 to T6 were observed for team workload metrics, follow-ups revealed significant time × group interactions for training load (TL), exercise energy expenditure (EEE), total distance covered, and minutes spent in HR zones (HRZ1-Z5) over the season (p < 0.05). Finally, although average workloads were greater in practices than in matches, when accounting for pre-match warm-ups, competition load was greater than practice (p < 0.05). National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women's beach volleyball is a demanding, explosive power sport characterized by overall large TL and EEE, particularly in-season when athletes compete in 4 matches per weekend. The workloads observed point to the need to assess and manage training loads and fueling requirements to optimize performance and decrease injury risk.

Pre-match Warm-Up Dynamics and Workload in Elite Futsal

Warming up prior to competition is a widely accepted strategy to increase players’ readiness and achieve high performances. However, pre-match routines are commonly based on empirical knowledge and strongly influenced by models emerging from elite team practices. The aim of the present study was to identify and analyze current pre-match warm-up practices in elite futsal. Forty-three elite players were analyzed during their pre-match warm-up routines during the Portuguese Futsal Cup Final 8. Warm-up tasks were classified according to duration, type of activity, sequence, and structure. External load variables included the total distance covered, total distance covered per minute, running distance per minute, sprinting distance per minute, number of accelerations per minute, and number of decelerations per minute. Results highlighted that warm-up routines lasted for 27.5 ± 9.2 min and included nine major different tasks. Open-skill activities were prioritized by coaches; competitive and non-competitive futsal-specific tasks were included in 90% of the total warm-up routines, with higher focus on non-competitive tasks (68% of total time). The intensity progressively increased during warm-ups, mainly because of the higher number of accelerations and decelerations per minute. Pre-match warm-up routines strongly endorse futsal-specific and representative tasks in order to establish pre-match settings able to prepare players for the upcoming game. When designing pre-match warm-up routines, coaches should be aware that duration, sequence, and type of tasks may affect players’ acute performance and readiness.

Order of same-day concurrent training influences some indices of power development, but not strength, lean mass, or aerobic fitness in healthy, moderately-active men after 9 weeks of training

Background

The importance of concurrent exercise order for improving endurance and resistance adaptations remains unclear, particularly when sessions are performed a few hours apart. We investigated the effects of concurrent training (in alternate orders, separated by ~3 hours) on endurance and resistance training adaptations, compared to resistance-only training.

Materials and methods

Twenty-nine healthy, moderately-active men (mean ± SD; age 24.5 ± 4.7 y; body mass 74.9 ± 10.8 kg; height 179.7 ± 6.5 cm) performed either resistance-only training (RT, n = 9), or same-day concurrent training whereby high-intensity interval training was performed either 3 hours before (HIIT+RT, n = 10) or after resistance training (RT+HIIT, n = 10), for 3 d^.wk^-1 over 9 weeks. Training-induced changes in leg press 1-repetition maximal (1-RM) strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, body composition, peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak), aerobic power (W˙peak), and lactate threshold (W˙LT) were assessed before, and after both 5 and 9 weeks of training.

Results

After 9 weeks, all training groups increased leg press 1-RM (~24–28%) and total lean mass (~3-4%), with no clear differences between groups. Both concurrent groups elicited similar small-to-moderate improvements in all markers of aerobic fitness (V˙O2peak ~8–9%; W˙LT ~16-20%; W˙peak ~14-15%). RT improved CMJ displacement (mean ± SD, 5.3 ± 6.3%), velocity (2.2 ± 2.7%), force (absolute: 10.1 ± 10.1%), and power (absolute: 9.8 ± 7.6%; relative: 6.0 ± 6.6%). HIIT+RT elicited comparable improvements in CMJ velocity only (2.2 ± 2.7%). Compared to RT, RT+HIIT attenuated CMJ displacement (mean difference ± 90%CI, -5.1 ± 4.3%), force (absolute: -8.2 ± 7.1%) and power (absolute: -6.0 ± 4.7%). Only RT+HIIT reduced absolute fat mass (mean ± SD, -11.0 ± 11.7%).

Conclusions

In moderately-active males, concurrent training, regardless of the exercise order, presents a viable strategy to improve lower-body maximal strength and total lean mass comparably to resistance-only training, whilst also improving indices of aerobic fitness. However, improvements in CMJ displacement, force, and power were attenuated when RT was performed before HIIT, and as such, exercise order may be an important consideration when designing training programs in which the goal is to improve lower-body power.

Improved 2000-m Rowing Performance in a Cool Environment With an External Heating Garment

PURPOSE

Rowers can be in marshaling areas for up to 20 to 25 min before the start of a race, which likely negates any benefits of an active warm-up, especially in cold environments. It is unknown if using a heated jacket following a standardized rowing warm-up can improve 2000-m rowing performance.

METHODS

On 2 separate occasions, 10 trained male rowers completed a standardized rowing warm-up, followed by 25 min of passive rest before a 2000-m rowing time trial on a rowing ergometer. Throughout the passive rest, the participants wore either a standardized tracksuit top (CON) or an externally heated jacket (HEAT). The trials, presented in a randomized crossover fashion, were performed in a controlled environment (temperature 8°C, humidity 50%). Rowing time-trial performance, core body temperature, and mean skin temperature, along with perceptual variables, were measured.

RESULTS

During the 25-min period, core body temperature increased in HEAT and decreased in CON (Δ0.54°C [0.74°C] vs -0.93°C [1.14°C]; P = .02). Additionally, mean skin temperature (30.22°C [1.03°C] vs 28.86°C [1.07°C]) was higher in HEAT versus CON (P < .01). In line with the physiological data, the perceptual data confirmed that participants were more comfortable in HEAT versus CON, and subsequently, rowing performance was improved in HEAT compared with CON (433.1 [12.7] s vs 437.9 [14.4] s, P < .01).

CONCLUSION

The data demonstrate that an upper-body external heating garment worn following a warm-up can improve rowing performance in a cool environment.

Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention on Physical Fitness of schoolchildren: The Enriched Sport Activity Program

Background: Physical fitness in youth is a predictor of health in adulthood. The main objective of the present study was to understand if an enriched sport activity program could increase physical fitness in a population of schoolchildren. Methods: In a sample of 672 children aged 10.0 ± 1.90 years, different motor skills were tested by the 1 kg and 3 kg ball throw (BT), the standing broad jump (SBJ), the 30 m sprint (30mS), the leger shuttle run (LSR), the illinois agility test (IGT), and the quadruped test (QT). Within the controlled-trial, the intervention group (ESA) underwent an additional warm-up protocol, which included cognitive enhancing elements, for 14 weeks while the control group continued with ordinary exercise activity. Results: A significant increase was present regarding the 1 kg and 3 kg BT, the SBJ, the 30mS, and the IGT, while no significant difference was shown regarding the QT and the LSR in the ESA group between pre and post intervention. In the control group, no differences were present for any test except for the QT and the LSR post-test. Conclusion: A 14-week structured physical intervention had moderate effects regarding throwing, jumping, sprinting, and agility in a sample of schoolchildren.