Two Sets of Dynamic Stretching of the Lower Body Musculature Improves Linear Repeated-Sprint Performance in Team-Sports.

Abstract

Background: Warm-up including dynamic stretching is a popular and widely accepted practice as a pre-exercise routine for athletes. However, a shortage of studies investigating the impact of dynamic stretching on linear repeated-sprint performance exists. Objectives: The present study aims to look at the effect of different volumes of dynamic stretching on 30 m linear repeated sprint performance in team sport athletes. Methods: Fifteen male university team-sport players [age (mean ± SD) 22.1 ± 0.6 years, stature 166.9 ± 6.6cm and body mass 67.5 ± 8.0kg] underwent 3 sessions in this within-subjects counterbalanced study. All sessions included a general warm-up (5-minutes self-paced), followed by a dynamic stretching protocol (one set-DSS1; two sets-DSS2; three sets-DSS3) comprised of five active dynamic exercises for lower body musculature (gastrocnemius, gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps and hip extensor). A standardized specific warm-up was then undertaken followed by a repeated-sprint test (6 × 30-m sprint with 30 seconds active recovery). Results: Values for average sprint time (AST) and total sprint times (TST) were significantly faster (P = 0.005) following DSS2 compared to DSS1 and DSS3. Fatigue index (FI) was significantly lower in DSS2 compared to DSS1 and DSS3 (P 0.05) for best sprint time (BST), mean sprint time (MST) or rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Conclusions: In conclusion, a dynamic warm-up consisting of two sets resulted in improved performance in repeated-sprint. The exact mechanisms associated with this established ergogenic benefit is still unclear and requires more research.