Effect Of Warm-up On Physiological And Psychological Components in Trained Distance Runners With VO2max Testing

Abstract

A warm-up is proposed to improve exercise performance by serving as a preparatory stimulus for systems involved in oxygen transport and utilization. To date, the effect of a warm-up on a graded maximal exercise test has not been examined in collegiate distance runners. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a routine warm-up on the cardiovascular, respiratory and psychological parameters associated with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) testing in NCAA Division II male and female cross-country runners. METHODS: Ten subjects (20.4 ±2.1 yr) were recruited on a volunteer basis from the Angelo State University cross-country track team. An initial meeting was held, along with individual completion of a health screen, risk stratification and informed consent. Each subject participated in three testing sessions (T=time: T1, T2, T3), 2 weeks apart. Baseline measures for all variables were recorded at T1. Vital signs were recorded before, during, and after treadmill testing utilizing the Bruce protocol. Subjects were randomly assigned to perform warm-up at either T2 or T3. Measurements at T1, T2, T3 included: bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), VO2max, forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum ventilatory volume (MVV), vital capacity (VC), competitive state anxiety inventory (CSAI-2). Data analyses included descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA), SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: Although there was an increase in VO2max with warm-up (64.14±9.80 ml/kg/min) versus no warm-up (62.80 ±8.83 ml/kg/min), (p=.149), the change did not reach significance. Likewise, a trend in a decrease in anxiety levels (CSAI-2) from no warm-up (19.7±5.81) to warm-up (17.80±5.43) was demonstrated but did not attain significance (p=.199). Pulmonary and additional cardiovascular measurements were not altered significantly by the status of warm-up on the runners. CONCLUSION: A routine warm-up protocol did not significantly improve cardiovascular, respiratory or psychological parameters associated with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) testing of NCAA Division II male and female cross-country runners at Angelo State University.