Active Warm-up Research Articles

Heat Attainment and Retention in Surfers with and without a Land-Based Warm-Up and Accompanying Passive Heat Retention.

Surfing is a growing, high-participation recreational and competitive activity. It is relatively unique, being performed on, in, and through water with a range of temperatures. In other sports, warm-up and heat retention have proved useful at augmenting performance and ameliorating injury risk. Little work has been carried out examining this in surfing. The purpose of this work was to measure thermal profiles in surfers with and without warm-up and passive heat retention, and secondarily to assess any potential influence on free surfing. A repeated measures pre- and post- design was adopted whereby participants surfed in an artificial wave pool following an active warm-up combined with passive heat retention (experimental condition) and after no warm-up (control). Core body temperature was measured both occasions. Our results showed increases in core body temperature were greater for the experimental condition versus control (p = 0.006), and a time effect exists (p < 0.001)-in particular, a warm-up effect in the water itself was shown in both groups, possibly due to further activity (e.g., paddling) and wetsuit properties. Finally, performance trended to being superior following warm-up. We conclude that body warmth in surfers may be facilitated by an active warm-up and passive heat retention. In free surfing, this is associated with a trend towards better performance; it may also reduce injury risk.

Effects of Passive Warm-up on Flexibility, Exercise Performance, and Lactate Oxidation Rate in Track and Field Athletes

PURPOSE This study sought to investigate the effects of passive warm-up on flexibility, exercise performance, and lactate oxidation rate in track and field athletes.METHODS A total of eight male athletes with more than three years of athlete experience were recruited as participants, and passive warm-up (PW) and active warm-up (AW) treatments were conducted in a single-group crossover study design. The participants performed thermal stimulation at 40°C for 20 minutes as a PW and performed a 60-70% HRmax cycle as an AW. Flexibility and exercise performance were measured after each treatment. Anaerobic power was measured using the Wingate test, and lactic acid concentration was measured.RESULTS Body temperature significantly increased in both PW and AW, and no significant difference was observed in exercise performance between treatments. Flexibility and lactic acid oxidation rate were significantly higher in PW than in AW.CONCLUSIONS In track and field sprinters, PW did not exhibit any significant difference in anaerobic power and exercise performance compared to AW even though no physical exercise was performed, and PW was effective in body temperature, lactic acid oxidation rate, and flexibility. PW suggests the possibility of replacing AW.

Warm-Up Strategies and Effects on Performance in Racing Horses and Sport Horses Competing in Olympic Disciplines.

Warm-up is a standard component of exercise preparation, intended to lower the risk of injury and improve performance. Comprehensive evidence-based guidelines per discipline are missing. This scoping review aimed to describe the physiological effects and strategies of active warm-up in horses according to different equestrian disciplines. The search strategies identified 479 papers for review. After application of selection criteria, 23 articles published from 1996 to January 2024 were included of which 12 discussed the effects of warm-up on physiological parameters and 11 discussed warm-up strategies in different disciplines. As shown in humans, warm-up enhanced aerobic capacity and increased blood and muscle temperatures, independently from its intensity. Riders emphasized the importance of warm-up to prepare horses for physical work and to increase their reactiveness to aids. A canter or trot was the preferred gait in elite or non-elite dressage horses, respectively, while the walk was in show jumping horses. Warm-up duration and intensity increased with increasing competitive level, but a longer and/or more intensive warm-up did not affect the final score. Dressage riders warmed up their horses for a longer time compared to show jumping riders. Future studies should objectively establish the most profitable warm-up strategies per equestrian discipline and level.

Telehealth Movement-to-Music With Arm-Based Sprint-Intensity Interval Training to Improve Cardiometabolic Health and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Children with mobility disabilities, including those with cerebral palsy, have limited options and limited time to exercise to manage their cardiometabolic health and cardiorespiratory fitness. Regular cardiovascular exercise during childhood is a critical health behavior for preventing health decline in adulthood. Thus, there is an urgent need for accessible, age-appropriate, convenient exercise modalities in this group. Sprint-intensity interval training (SIT), combined with telehealth procedures, may be ideal for children with disabilities. SIT includes repetitive bouts of maximal exercise effort combined with rest periods, which can be effective in eliciting comparable results to moderate-exercise training with very short training durations. This phase 1 pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the potential effects of a 12-week SIT program on indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic health among children with cerebral palsy. An ancillary aim is to evaluate the feasibility of the program through several process feasibility metrics. This study uses a 2-armed parallel group design. A total of 50 physically inactive children with cerebral palsy (aged 6-17 years) will be randomly allocated into 1 of 2 groups: a 12-week SIT or a waitlist control group that continues habitual activity for 12 weeks. The SIT prescription includes 3 tele-supervised sessions per week with 30 repeated sequences of 4 seconds of maximal arm exercise, with active recovery, warm-up, and cooldown periods (for an approximately 20-minute total session). SIT includes guided videos with child-themed arm routines and music. The exercise sessions will be remotely supervised through a web-based videoconference application and include safety monitoring equipment. Outcomes are measured at pre- and postintervention (weeks 0 and 13, respectively). Health outcome measures include peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), measured by a graded exercise test; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and blood insulin, hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides, and cholesterol using a finger stick dried blood spot test; blood pressure, using a sphygmomanometer; and body composition (total mass, total lean mass, tissue % lean, and tissue % fat) using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Feasibility will be evaluated by the following metrics: adverse events or problems experienced throughout the intervention related to participant safety; perceived enjoyment; and recruitment, enrollment, and attrition rates. Recruitment procedures started in November 2023. All data are anticipated to be collected by February 2025. Full trial results are anticipated to be analyzed and submitted for publication by March 2025. Secondary analyses of data will be subsequently published. This trial tests an accessible and low-cost exercise program that leverages principles of high-intensity exercise to provide a convenient program for children with physical disabilities. Knowledge obtained from this study will inform the development of a larger trial for improving the cardiometabolic health, cardiorespiratory fitness, and well-being of children with physical disabilities. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05619211; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05619211. DERR1-10.2196/56499.

Changes in the Sprint, Vertical Jump and Quadriceps Strength after a Capacitive Resistive Electric Transfer Therapy Intervention-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Generating large mechanical power during actions such as sprinting or jumping is a crucial factor in many sports. These types of actions require a good warm-up activation. Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET) is a non-invasive therapy based on the application of radio frequency electric currents within the range of 300 kHz-1.2 MHz to accelerate tissue metabolic activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adding CRET to an active warm-up protocol in young adult athletes. For the double-blind randomized clinical trial, 60 healthy athletes were recruited and divided into an Experimental group (EG) and a Sham group (SG). EG received a CRET protocol in addition to an active warm-up. SG carried out the same warm-up but with a placebo CRET. The main outcome measures were isometric extension force, countermovement-jump (CMJ), 30 m-sprint test, and surface electromyography (sEMG). There is no statistically significant interaction (group-time) for any of the variables studied. Significant main effects for time were found in isometric extension force (p = 0.008); 30 m sprint (p = 0.017); rectus femoris sEMG during CMJ (p = 0.002); vastus lateralis sEMG during CMJ (p = 0.012); vastus medialis during CMJ (p = 0.010) and rectus femoris sEMG during the 30 m sprint test (p = 0.012). Non-significant differences between means are observed in the isometric extension force (48.91 EG; 10.87 SG) and 30 m sprint (-0.13 EG; -0.04 SG) variables. To conclude, a non-significant tendency was observed in sprint and quadriceps strength following CRET therapy, compared to the individuals' pre-treatment state. Future research should use more treatment sessions to observe this tendency.

A warm-up strategy with or without voluntary contraction on athletic performance, lower-leg temperature, and blood lactate concentration.

It is unclear whether temperature-related warm-up effects can be accomplished by passive warm-up (e.g., by external heat). Therefore, this study compared the effects of two different warm-up protocols with and without voluntary contraction on subsequent sprinting and jumping performance. Eighteen healthy male collegiate students (23.3 ± 2.4 years, 173.8 ± 7.2 cm, 70.5 ± 9.3 kg) randomly experienced 10 min of active (jogging on a treadmill; belt speed: 9.0 km/h at a 1% incline) and passive warm-up (lying down in the warm-up chamber; inner ambient temperature set at 35°C) protocols, followed by ten sets of intermittent exercises in two separate sessions. Athletic performance, lower-leg muscle temperature, and blood lactate concentration were statistically compared using analysis of variance with Tukey-Kramer post-hoc comparisons. Cohen's d effect sizes (ES) were also calculated. There was no warm-up protocol effect over time on 20 m sprint times (condition × time: F9,323 = 1.26, p = 0.25). Maximal vertical jump heights were different (condition × time: F9,323 = 2.0, p = 0.04) such that subjects who performed the active warm-up protocol jumped higher (51.4 cm) than those who did the passive warm-up (49.2 cm, p = 0.04). There was a warm-up protocol effect over time on lower-leg muscle temperature (condition × time: F12,425 = 13.99, p<0.0001) in that there was a 5.5% and 5.8% increase after active (32.8 to 34.6°C, ES = 2.91) and passive (32.9 to 34.9°C, ES = 3.28) warm-up protocols, respectively. Blood lactate concentration was different (condition × time: F2,85 = 3.61, p = 0.03) since the values at the post-warm-up measurements were different between warm-up conditions (active: 4.1 mmol/L; passive: 1.5 mmol/L, p = 0.004, ES = 1.69). Subsequent sprint and jump performance did not differ between the duration- and muscle temperature-matched active and passive warm-up protocols. Non-thermal effects from the warm-up activity may be minimal for sprinting and jumping performance in recreationally active males.

Effects of Foam Rolling Prior to Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility and Thigh Skin Temperature.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNFS) is suggested to improve the range of motion and flexibility as an active warm-up. Recently, the foam rolling (FR) methods have also emerged as a passive warm-up. However, the combined effects of PNFS and FR are still unclear, and no reports have compared their effects using thermal imaging. This study investigated the acute effects of combining nonvibration FR (NVFR) and vibration FR (VFR) prior to PNFS, in comparison with PNFS alone, on hamstring flexibility and thigh skin temperature. Randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 60) were randomly assigned to PNFS, NVFR + PNFS, VFR + PNFS, and control group (CG). Active knee-extension (AKE), sit and reach (SR) test, and thermal imaging were evaluated before (pre-int), immediately after (post-int), and 30-minutes after (post30-int) intervention. All intervention groups had a significant increase at all time periods (P < .001) except the CG in terms of AKE and sit and reach test (P > .05). Combined (NVFR + PNFS/VFR + PNFS) groups had also a significant increase in the post30-int compared with pre-int and post-int values of thigh skin temperature (P < .001). Combined groups, over time, had the best post30-int effect on increasing skin temperature. The study found a significant interaction effect between interventions and time across several measurements (P < .05). Combined groups showed more significant improvements in AKE compared to CG at post-int (P < .05). There is a similar change in AKE, SR test, and skin temperatures between combined groups and PNFS alone at both post-int and post30-int (P < .05). These findings indicate that using FR, with or without vibration, before PNFS does not provide an additional benefit in improving hamstring flexibility and thigh skin temperatures compared with PNFS alone.

The effects of a land-based warm-up and accompanying passive heat retention on core body temperature, hormones, and subsequent performance in elite surfers.

Surfing is a high participation sport, yet little sport science research exists regarding competitive performance in surfing. Given surfing's inclusion as an Olympic sport from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics onwards, an examination of performance would seem useful. In numerous land-based sports, and in swimming, the importance of a warm-up and muscle heat is well documented. However, surfing is a unique sport in that it is undertaken both above and below water. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a warm-up in terms of readiness to perform in surfing. We discuss this in the context of thermal regulation, hormone profile change, and the subsequent expression of "power" on waves-a key criteria that surfers are scored for. Nineteen advanced level surfers (i.e., competitive at just below national level in Australia; n = 15 males and n = 4 females) with mean (±SD) age, height, and weight of 24.5 ± 11.6 years, 174.7 ± 9.1 cm, and 67.7 ± 10.2 kg, respectively, were recruited. We adopted a repeated measures pre- and post-design whereby participants engaged in several simulated surfing competitions in an artificial wave pool; once after an active warm-up combined with a passive heat retention strategy (i.e., wrapping themselves in survival blankets-treatment), and once after no warm-up (control). Saliva samples were collected pre- and post-active warm-up, or at equivalent times under control conditions, for the measurement of testosterone and cortisol. Increases in these hormones have previously been associated with an enhanced readiness to compete. Our results demonstrate a clear thermoregulatory benefit from the treatment, with the participants' core body temperatures typically higher from the end of the warm-up to the end of the surf session following treatment (p ≤ 0.03), and a magnitude of increase in core body temperature once in the water that is greater following treatment (p = 0.01). A small magnitude upward change in testosterone (p = 0.01) and cortisol (p ≤ 0.001) following warm-up was also observed. Finally, warm-up was associated with an improved wave performance compared with the control, with a 20% increase in the performance score typically observed (p ≤ 0.01). We argue that the improved thermal profile may have influenced power and, as such, surfing performance was enhanced.

Physiological mechanisms associated with the use of a passive heat intervention: positive implications for soccer substitutes

PurposeSoccer substitutes are exposed to periods of limited activity before entering match-play, likely negating benefits of active warm-ups. This study aimed to determine the effects of using a passive heat intervention following a pre-match, and half-time warm-up, on muscle and core temperature in soccer players during ambient (18 °C) and cold (2 °C) conditions.MethodsOn four occasions, 8 male players, completed a pre-match warm-up, followed by 45 min of rest. Following this, participants completed a half-time re-warm-up followed by an additional 45 min of rest, simulating a full match for an unplaying substitute. During periods of rest, participants wore either standardised tracksuit bottoms (CON), or heated trousers (HEAT), over typical soccer attire.ResultsVastus lateralis temperature declined less in HEAT compared to CON following the 1st half in 2 °C (Δ − 4.39 ± 0.81 vs. − 6.21 ± 1.32 °C, P = 0.002) and 18 °C (Δ − 2.48 ± 0.71 vs. − 3.54 ± 0.88 °C, P = 0.003). These findings were also observed in the 2nd half for the 2 °C (Δ − 4.36 ± 1.03 vs. − 6.26 ± 1.04 °C, P = 0.002) and 18 °C (Δ − 2.85 ± 0.57 vs. − 4.06 ± 1 °C, P = 0.018) conditions. In addition, core temperature declined less in HEAT compared to CON following the 1st (Δ − 0.41 ± 0.25 vs. − 0.84 ± 0.41 °C, P = 0.037) and 2nd (Δ − 0.25 ± 0.33 vs. − 0.64 ± 0.34 °C, P = 0.028) halves of passive rest in 2 °C, with no differences in the 18 °C condition. Perceptual data confirmed that participants were more comfortable in HEAT vs. CON in 2 °C (P < 0.01).ConclusionsFollowing active warm-ups, heated trousers attenuate the decline in muscle temperature in ambient and cold environments.

The test-induced warm-up effect on hamstring flexibility tests.

Although the effect of active warm-up (WU) on acute flexibility enhancement is well documented, the test-induced WU effect in muscle length test has not been widely studied. This study aimed to verify the test-induced WU effect on hamstring flexibility tests. The active knee extension (AKE) was performed using the right leg, whereas the straight leg raise (SLR) was performed using the left leg. Ten trials of AKE or SLR were performed: two as the pre-intervention trials (Pre); six as the WU intervention; and another two trials as the post-intervention (Post). During WU, subjects in the WO-Hold group performed six trials of the AKE or SLR without hold, and those in the W-Hold group performed six trials of the AKE or SLR with a 5 s hold. A significant difference was noted between Pre-AKE and Post-AKE, and between Pre-SLR and Post-SLR, respectively, in both the groups. The effect of WU is clear when performing consecutive AKE or SLR without any additional hold. Practitioners should be cautious in interpreting the testing result to avoid overestimation of the treatment effect since the test itself may induce substantial WU effect to the target tissues.

Four minutes of capacitive and resistive electric transfer therapy increased jump performance

ABSTRACTCapacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRET) therapy can improve flexibility and increase muscle activity and may be useful as a warm-up technique. This study examined the effects of short-time CRET on jump performance. Thirty healthy men (age range, 20–40 years) were randomly divided into passive (n = 15) and active (n = 15) warm-up groups. The participants and statisticians were blinded to the participant allocation. The passive warm-up group underwent 4 min of CRET therapy on their posterior lower legs. The active warm-up group performed stretching and jogging for 4 min. Calf muscle temperature and rebound jump (RJ) index were measured before and after the intervention. The mean (± standard deviation) muscle temperature increased by 2.0 ± 0.5°C and 1.4 ± 0.6°C in the passive and active warm-up groups, respectively (p < 0.05). RJ index increased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, passive warm-up using CRET may help avoid energy loss while increasing the muscle temperature in a short time when compared with traditional active warm-up techniques.

The Use of Wearable Inertial Sensors and Workplace-Based Exercises to Reduce Lateral Epicondylitis in the Workstation of a Textile Logistics Center.

People whose jobs involve repetitive motions of the wrist and forearm can suffer from lateral epicondylitis, which is a significant burden on both the individual and the employer due to treatment costs, reduced productivity, and work absenteeism. This paper describes an ergonomic intervention to reduce lateral epicondylitis in the workstation of a textile logistics center. The intervention includes workplace-based exercise programs, evaluation of risk factors, and movement correction. An injury- and subject-specific score was calculated from the motion captured with wearable inertial sensors at the workplace to evaluate the risk factors of 93 workers. Then, a new working movement was adapted to the workplace, which limited the observed risk factors and took into account the subject-specific physical abilities. The movement was taught to the workers during personalized sessions. The risk factors of 27 workers were evaluated again after the intervention to validate the effectiveness of the movement correction. In addition, active warm-up and stretching programs were introduced as part of the workday to promote muscle endurance and improve resistance to repetitive stress. The present strategy offered good results at low cost, without any physical modification of the workplace and without any detriment to productivity.

English

The aim of this study was to determine if the combination of active (exercise) and passive warm-up (thermal blanket) generates an increase in the number of deep squat repetitions compared to only active warm-up. Ten physically active and apparently healthy subjects (26.2 ± 5.9 years of age) were recruited for the study. Four sessions, with three-days intervals were performed. In the first session the maximum weight in deep squat was estimated (Brzycki’s formula), the second, third and fourth sessionsperformed the greatest number of deep squat repetitions with 85% maximum repetition (to exhaustion or even losing the technique). Before each condition, subjects were randomly assigned to one of three different conditions: active warm-up (CAct) traditional warm-up plus five minutes sitting, active warm-up plus placebo (CAct+P) traditional warm-up plus five minutes sitting with thermal blanket placed on the legs and combined warm-up (CCom) traditional warm-up plus five minutes with a thermal blanket placed on the legs. No differences (p &gt;0.05) were found between CAct (8.6 ± 1.8 reps) and CAct+P (8.7 ± 1.6 reps) conditions in the number of squats performed. However, the CCom condition (11.1 ± 2.0 reps; p = 0.001; d = -2.107) was more effective compared to CAct (8.6 ± 1.8 reps) and CAct+P (8.7 ± 1.6 reps). A combination of active and passive heating (thermal blanket), increases the number of repetitions of deep squats in physically active young people.

Acute effects of passive vs. active warm-up associated with stretching on flexibility and neuromuscular function of hamstring muscles in physically active individuals

The present study aimed to explore the effects of passive vs. active warm-up protocols associated with static or neurodynamic stretching on the hamstring muscles function. We hypothesized 1) passive warm-up would similarly alter the neuromuscular function more particularly while considering flexibility or stiffness indexes and 2) stretching would only produce slight additional effects (independently of the modality). Sixteen physically active individuals participated in four randomized experimental sessions: 1) passive warm-up and static stretching, 2) passive warm-up and neurodynamic stretching, 3) active warm-up and static stretching, and 4) active warm-up and neurodynamic stretching. Passive warm-up was 20 minutes in a 45°C room. Active warm-up was 20 minutes and included cycling, submaximal contractions and athletic drills. Stretching (either passive or neurodynamic) was composed of six series of 30 seconds stretch. Tests were conducted before warm-up (baseline), immediately after the warm-up (post-warm) and immediately after stretching (post-stretch). They included a maximal voluntary contraction and associated electromyographic activity, passive torque during a passive stretch until the maximal discomfort and, a stand and reach flexibility test. The subjective efficiency of all procedures was evaluated.The results of the present study revealed no significant condition effects for all main outcomes (maximal voluntary torque, electromyography, passive torque and flexibility). A time effect was obtained for maximal voluntary torque and revealed a significant decrease post-stretch as compared to post-warm (p=.015). The electromyographic activity of both biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles significantly decreased between baseline and post-stretch (p=.017 and p=.005, respectively). No significant changes in passive torque were obtained with time (p=.069). Flexibility significantly increased post-warm (p&lt;.001) and further increased post-stretch (p&lt;.001) as compared to baseline. Volunteers reported active warm-up as the most efficient for subsequent muscle performance and neurodynamic stretch as the most efficient for flexibility.The present study confirmed our a priori hypothesis. Passive or active warm-up have similar effects on the neuromuscular function. The likely muscle temperature increase after warm-up, per se, is sufficient enough to improve the lower-limb flexibility. Stretching would additionally increase flexibility with an adverse strength decrease. Stretching should therefore be included in a comprehensive warm-up only when a high degree of flexibility is requested. In contrast, warm-up is sufficient when a reduced degree of flexibility is needed. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Are Acute Effects of Foam-Rolling Attributed to Dynamic Warm Up Effects? A Comparative Study.

Over the last decade, acute increases in range of motion (ROM) in response to foam rolling (FR) have been frequently reported. Compared to stretching, FR-induced ROM increases were not typically accompanied by a performance (e.g., force, power, endurance) deficit. Consequently, the inclusion of FR in warm-up routines was frequently recommended, especially since literature pointed out non-local ROM increases after FR. However, to attribute ROM increases to FR it must be ensured that such adaptations do not occur as a result of simple warm-up effects, as significant increases in ROM can also be assumed as a result of active warm-up routines. To answer this research question, 20 participants were recruited using a cross-over design. They performed 4x45 seconds hamstrings rolling under two conditions; FR, and sham rolling (SR) using a roller board to imitate the foam rolling movement without the pressure of the foam rolling. They were also tested in a control condition. Effects on ROM were tested under passive, active dynamic as well as ballistic conditions. Moreover, to examine non-local effects the knee to wall test (KtW) was used. Results showed that both interventions provided significant, moderate to large magnitude increases in passive hamstrings ROM and KtW respectively, compared to the control condition (p = 0.007-0.041, d = 0.62-0.77 and p = 0.002-0.006, d = 0.79-0.88, respectively). However, the ROM increases were not significantly different between the FR and the SR condition (p = 0.801, d = 0.156 and p = 0.933, d = 0.09, respectively). No significant changes could be obtained under the active dynamic (p = 0.65) while there was a significant decrease in the ballistic testing condition with a time effect (p < 0.001). Thus, it can be assumed that potential acute increases in ROM cannot be exclusively attributed to FR. It is therefore speculated that warm up effects could be responsible independent of FR or imitating the rolling movement, which indicates there is no additive effect of FR or SR to the dynamic or ballistic range of motion.

Comparison of an Active Warm-Up vs. Passive Warm-Up on Vertical Jump Performance

Warm-ups are an essential element of exercise and sport performance. Although research has demonstrated benefits associated with active warm-ups, research investigating the effects of a passive warm-up on subsequent performance is limited. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of an active, post-activation potentiation (PAP) warm-up to a passive warm-up on vertical jump performance. Study participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Each group performed both the active and passive warm-ups, in reverse order, to control for order effect. Participants in this study consisted of 20 college students (men and women) between the ages of 18 and 35 years who were well-trained and anaerobically fit. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed a statistically significant main effect difference in vertical jump measures (F=16.148, p&lt;0.001). Further analysis of the results demonstrated that between the three treatments tested, control, active, passive, there was a statically significant difference between the active warm-up when compared to both the passive and control warm-ups (p=0.004; p&lt;0.001). The results also indicated that there was practical significance between the active and passive treatment as well as the control group (partial eta squared=0.459). In conclusion, an active warm-up prior to vertical jump testing appears to be superior to a passive warm-up. Physiologically the body may perform better following dynamic movements rather than through a passive increase in intramuscular temperature. Prior to athletic events, we recommend athletes perform warm-ups utilizing dynamic movements rather than using a heating system alone.

Precompetition Strategies to Improve Performance in Endurance or Repeated Intermittent Activity: Evidence and Practical Suggestions

ABSTRACT Athletes engage in training programs that develop physical and physiological attributes to improve performance over time. However, ensuring athletes are optimally prepared just before competition is also of utmost importance. Indeed, such approaches may often adopt 1 or more strategies in the days, hours, and minutes preceding competition, including exercise priming, active warm-up, and/or postactivation performance-enhancing (PAPE) activities. Despite a plethora of discrete research, such information seems poorly synthesized, making it difficult for coaches and athletes to implement optimal evidence-based physical preparation approaches in many sporting contexts. This article aims to provide a scoping overview of evidence, facilitate discussion, and where possible, propose practical exercise-based recommendations that may be useful leading up to (∼48 hours–∼1 minute) tasks with a short or prolonged endurance component or requiring repeated intermittent efforts (e.g., team-based field sports). Well-timed and -designed activities can facilitate several aspects of physical performance, potentially improve athletes' psychological state(s) and mental preparedness. The benefits of a warm-up are most well-documented, but priming and PAPE strategies also warrant consideration. It is intended that the evidence and suggestions presented will be useful for strength and conditioning professionals preparing athletes for competition.

Effect of post-activation potentiation using core activation on isometric core strength and countermovement jump variables in university male recreational athletes

Core strengthening exercises have been integrated into the conditioning regimens of sportsmen of all levels. Despite a wealth of evidence, the question of what influence core stability exercises have on jump performance remains unsolved. Only a small percentage of studies have explored effects of standalone core training. The objective of this research was to explore acute changes in countermovement jump (CMJ) performance caused by post-activation potentiation (PAP) adopting core activation exercises. 25 male recreational athletes were recruited as participants. They visited on three occasions-first for familiarisation, following for baseline data using a conventional warmup, and final for repeat data upon inducing PAP. Isometric dynamometer was used to quantify core isometric strength and CMJ variables were evaluated using a Portable performance analysis system with MARS Software. Paired t-test and multivariate analysis were carried out. All core strength metrics reported marked increase at P&lt;0.001 from conventional to PAP warmup. Following CMJ metrics varied significantly: jump height from take-off (P&lt;0.001), jump height from flight (P&lt;0.01), flight time (P&lt;0.01,) and force at free-fall (P&lt;0.001). Core training with PAP is a form of neuromuscular training that has the potential to improve power, agility, and speed by modifying force absorption, active joint stabilisation, and improved movement patterns. These alterations are ascribed to changes in cerebral drive, as well as enhanced motor-unit activation and firing frequency at the muscle level. Before a competition, a core activation warm-up can offer a unique training stimulus and increase performance via an ergogenic response. The core is essential for optimal athletic performance and should not be overlooked.

Active warm-up and time-of-day effects on repeated-sprint performance and post-exercise recovery.

This study investigated the effects of both an active warm-up and the time-of-day variation on repeated-sprint performance. A second objective was to compare the post-exercise recovery between theexperimentalconditions. Eleven male participants performed ten maximal cycling sprints (6s each, with a 30-s interval between them) in the morning and late afternoon, either after a warm-up or control condition. The warm-up consisted of cycling for 10min at 50% of the peak aerobic power. Rest measurements of rectal, muscle, and skin temperatures were higher in the afternoon compared to the morning (p < 0.05), with no significant differences in heart rate (p = 0.079) and blood lactate concentration (p = 0.300). Warm-up increased muscle temperature, heart rate, and lactate, and reduced skin temperature (all p < 0.001), though no significant differences were observed for rectal temperature (p = 0.410). The number of revolutions (p = 0.034, ηp2 = 0.375), peak (p = 0.034, ηp2 = 0.375), and mean (p = 0.037, ηp2 = 0.365) power of the first sprint (not the average of ten sprints) were higher in the afternoon compared to the morning, regardless of warm-up. However, beneficial performance effects of warming up were evident for the first (p < 0.001) and the average of ten sprints (p < 0.05), regardless of time of day. More remarkable changes during the 60-min post-exercise were observed for rectal temperature (p = 0.005) and heart rate (p = 0.010) in the afternoon than in the morning. Warming-up and time-of-day effects in enhancing muscular power are independent. Although warm-up ensured further beneficial effects on performance than the time-of-day variation, a faster post-exercise recovery was observed in the late afternoon.

Swimming performance, physiology, and post-activation performance enhancement following dryland transition phase warmup: A systematic review.

BackgroundIn swimming, the period between the end of the swimming warmup and the beginning of competition is critical to performance, here termed the transition phase. Several options are available during this phase, necessitating a systematic review to understand if optimal strategies exist.ObjectivesTo synthesise and critically evaluate the current literature investigating land-based warmup interventions on subsequent performance in competitive swimmers.MethodsA search of three electronic databases (PubMed, EBSCO SPORTDiscus and Web of Science) was conducted to identify original studies until February 2022. Selection criteria dictated that (i) a control condition was used, (ii) participants were ≥ 15 years of age, (iii) a pool-based warmup was done prior to the land-based warmup. A total of 25 articles met the selection criteria.ResultsReducing the transition phase duration by at least half led to consistently faster time-trial times of between 1.1–1.5% for all included studies. Passive warmups using clothing interventions resulted in mostly faster time-trial’s of 0.4–0.8% with increases in skin temperature frequent, though little change occurred in core temperature. The methodology of passive respiratory warmups were vastly different with positive time-trial’s effects ranging between 0.9–1.1% for two studies, though one reported no meaningful difference. Active warmups led to consistently faster time-trial’s between 0.7–0.9%, though the unpinning factors are not clear. Warmups which combined passive and active options frequently led to faster time-trial’s between 0.8–3%. Upper and combined limb post-activation performance enhancement led to mostly unfavourable time-trial changes. Lower limb exclusive protocols results were inconsistent, with limited beneficial effects on time-trial or start performance reported following plyometric protocols. However, there does appear merit in heavier loaded lower limb protocols.ConclusionEach of a reduced transition phase length, and passive, active or combination warmup have demonstrated improvements in swimming performance. Conversely, PAPE protocols should be used with caution, especially when including the upper limbs.