Effects Of Different Warm-up Protocols On Throwing Performance

Abstract

Power is essential in throwing performance. Past research indicated that high-intensity dynamic warm-up enhance the subsequent explosive performance, which is referred as post-activation potentiation (PAP). At present, there is no research explored the effect of maximal isometric contraction as warm-up on throwing performance. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of maximum isometric squat (MIS) and counter movement jump (CMJ) as warm-up exercises on subsequent throwing performance. METHODS: 16 healthy experienced baseball or softball players (30.5±5.98 years old) performed two warm-up protocols (MIS and CMJ) in counter-balanced order. Throwing performance was examined at 15 minutes before and 4 minutes after warm-up. Distance of underhand medicine ball throw (MBT) and baseball throwing velocity (BTV) were used to evaluate throwing performance. RESULTS: The results revealed that after performing two types of warm-up exercises, the average and best distance of MBT improved significantly (P<.05). The average and best speed of BTV increased significantly (P<.05) after warm-ups. Performance of MBT after MIS (average: + 5.35%; best: + 6.05%) showed greater improvement compare to warm-up with CMJ (+4.82%; +4.47%) (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Both MIS and CMJ as warm-up exercise are beneficial in subsequent throwing performance. MIS showed better effect than CMJ for underhand medicine ball throwing distance.