Effects Of Warm-up Research Articles

The effect of sports specific warm-up on lower and upper extremity visual response time in female athletes

Background and Study Aim. Response time is one of the important parameters affecting performance in sports. The aim of this study was to investigate the visual response time of the upper (hand) and lower (foot) extremities after a warm-up activity applied to female football and volleyball players. Material and Methods. Eleven female football players and eleven volleyball players, aged 19.27 ± 1.93 years, with a height of 164.90 ± 8.07 cm, body weight of 57.00 ± 6.01 kg, and 6.40 ± 2.36 years of sports experience, participated in the study as volunteers. Visual response times for the upper and lower extremities were measured before and after the warm-up protocol. The warm-up began with static stretching exercises for 2 minutes. This was followed by aerobic jogging for 2.5 minutes at a heart rate of approximately 140 beats per minute. After that, activities involving dynamic joint mobility were performed for 5 minutes. Finally, a 2.5-minute, three-stage sport-specific warm-up was completed. In total, the warm-up protocol lasted 17 minutes. Results. Volleyball players' upper extremity visual response time did not show significant differences before and after warm-up (Z = -1.561, p = 0.119). Significant differences were found in the upper extremity visual response time of football players before and after warm-up (t = 2.887, p = 0.016). No significant difference was found in the comparison of volleyball and football players' pre-warm-up (t = 1.905, p = 0.071) and post-warm-up (U = 43.000, p = 0.247) two-hand visual response times. A significant difference was found in the comparison of volleyball players' lower extremity visual response times before and after warm-up (Z = -2.674, p = 0.007). No significant difference was found in the comparison of lower extremity visual response times of football players before and after warm-up (t = 2.132, p = 0.059). A significant difference was determined in the comparison of lower extremity visual response times of volleyball and football players before warm-up (t = 3.307, p = 0.004) and after warm-up (U = 20.000, p = 0.008). Conclusions. The findings highlight the importance of sport-specific warm-up protocols in preparing athletes for optimal performance. Implementing appropriate warm-up strategies can therefore be a key factor in maximizing athletic performance and maintaining long-term physical health in female athletes.

The Effect of Reactive Neuromuscular Training versus General Warm-up on Proprioception and Balance in Female Handball Players with Rounded Shoulder: A Controlled Laboratory Study

Background: This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of a session of reactive neuromuscular training (RNT) with warming-up exercises on shoulder proprioception and dynamic balance in female handball players with shoulder impingement. Methods: In this controlled laboratory study, 18 female adolescent handball players from 14 to 18 years old were recruited from Samen City, Iran. The participants participated once in the warm-up routine program and once in the RNT program. Before and after each exercise program, shoulder proprioception was measured by photogrammetry and dynamic balance of the upper limb was measured using the Wye balance test. The paired t-tests, with a significance level of 0.05, were employed to compare pre-test and post-test data. Results: Both exercise protocols had no significant effects on shoulder repositioning error (P > 0.05). However, participation in both exercise programs resulted in a significant improvement in the dynamic balance score of the upper limbs of the athletes (P < 0.001). Moreover, no significant differences were observed between the effect of routine handball exercises and the effect of RNT exercises on shoulder repositioning and dynamic balance in female handball players (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that routine warm-up exercises and RNT could not improve proprioception in the shoulders of student- athletes with round shoulders. However, both training methods caused a significant improvement in the dynamic balance of the upper limb, although there was no significant difference between the effects of the two methods.

Effects Of Warm-up On Fine Motor Skills And Neural Efficiency Among First-person Shooting Esports Players

Effects Of Warm-up On Fine Motor Skills And Neural Efficiency Among First-person Shooting Esports Players

The Effect Of Warm-up With Different Weighted-balls On Exercise Performance In Elite Teenage Baseball Players

The Effect Of Warm-up With Different Weighted-balls On Exercise Performance In Elite Teenage Baseball Players

The Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Warm-up using Floss Band on Sprint and Muscle Power in Elite Sprinter

The Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Warm-up using Floss Band on Sprint and Muscle Power in Elite Sprinter

Effect of a Specific Warm-up based on Oppositional Wrestling Games on The Technical Performance and Mental Health of Physical Education Students

Background and study aim. This study explored the impact of two different specific warm-up protocols (consisting of either opposition games or classical exercises) on technical-tactical performance, intrinsic motivation and stress levels in wrestling schoolchildren. Materials and methods. Sixty-three schoolchildren divided into two parallel groups (specific warm-up opposition game group: EG, n = 18, aged 12.42 ± 0.87 years; and classical specific warm-up group: CG, n = 18, aged 12.41 ± 0.78 years) who completed three 75-minute sessions over four weeks practicing different specific warm-up exercises. Data was analyzed with IBM SPSS to find the normality, mean and standard deviation. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure differences in mental health and technical-tactical performance for both group. Results. Several results emerged from this study; (i) EG who followed a specific warm-up program based on opposition games performed better in the wrestling test and were able to improve the number of successful leg attack skills, with a significant interaction compared to CG, (ii) EG obtained a better leg attack score due to their quality of execution and (iii) Compared with children in the CG group children in the EG group feel happy and motivated and their stress levels decrease. Conclusion. Wrestling teaching and training specialists should be convinced of the beneficial effects of exercises based on opposition games on students' technical and mental skills.

“When hearing hoof beats from behind, expect horses, not zebras” – What flexibility research should adopt from scientific philosophy. A critical perspective on available evidence

The American College of Sports Medicine classifies flexibility as one out of 5 important health-related parameters that should be addressed in preventive and therapeutic training programs (Garber et al., 2011). Due to its importance in health and athletic performance development, there is an increasing number of studies to figure out flexibility training interventions as well as underlying mechanisms. While several exercise modalities are available, stretching and foam rolling (FR) are the most common training routines to improve range of motion (ROM). Interestingly, acute and chronic effects are mainly attributed to very similar mechanisms, more specifically, improved stretch tolerance and/or structural adaptations such as stiffness reductions in the muscle, the tendon, or the muscle-tendon complex (Takeuchi et al., 2023). Since stretching and FR seem to induce similar effect sizes in acute flexibility, authors suggested the replacement of static stretching to FR in movement preparation routines to avoid the stretch-induced force deficit, thus, impairments of subsequent strength related performance. Similarly, when discussing chronic flexibility routine effects, literature suggests task specificity. Therefore, increased ROM was attributed to specific stretch/foam rolling induced stiffness and passive peak torque changes. Unfortunately, statements developed from used research designs are incomprehensive. When referring to acute stretching of foam rolling effects that can be extracted from numerous systematic reviews, conclusions were drawn from comparisons to passive controls. This, however, does exclusively allow statements that stretching/FR was effective compared to doing nothing, however, does not exclude general warm-up effects, induced by muscle activity. Referring to William of Ockham (1287 – 1347), one popular philosopher from the United Kingdom, the most obvious explanatory approach would be the most likely one. In medicine diagnostics, this statement is metaphorically described as “when hearing hoof beats from behind, expect horses, not zebras”. Therefore, since both routines enhance temperature, the most likely explanation suggest acute ROM increases could rely on general warm-up effects instead of task-specific adaptations. Similarly, for chronic effects, literature suggests that ROM can be increased by several alternative interventions, e.g. full ROM resistance training, indicating shared mechanisms. Both interventions share underlying physiological mechanisms, such as inducing mechanical tension in high muscle lengths. Consequently, we extensively discussed available evidence in our published research. Key findings will be presented to challenge current paradigms (Warneke et al., 2024). References Garber, C. E., Blissmer, B., Deschenes, M. R., Franklin, B. A., Lamonte, M. J., Lee, I.-M., Nieman, D. C., & Swain, D. P. (2011). Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(7), 1334–1359. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefb Takeuchi, K., Nakamura, M., Fukaya, T., Konrad, A., & Mizuno, T. (2023). Acute and long-term effects of static stretching on muscle-tendon unit stiffness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 22, 465–475. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2023.465 Warneke, K., Behm, D. G., Alizadeh, S., Hillebrecht, M., Konrad, A., & Wirth, K. (2024). Discussing conflicting explanatory approaches in flexibility training under consideration of physiology - A narrative review. Sports Medicine, 54, 1785-1799. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-024-02043-y

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.

The Effectiveness of Warm-Up Using an Assistive Device in Wheelchair Basketball: A Feasibility Study of Able-Bodied Participants.

Introduction A warm-up is often performed to prevent injury and prepare for optimal performance. Nonetheless, research on its impact on performance, particularly in para-sports, remains limited. We hypothesized that the use of an assistive device during warm-up would enable wheelchair basketball players to perform full-body movements efficiently and effectively, contributing to enhanced wheelchair mobility. Therefore, this feasibility study aimed to assess the safety of warm-up exercise with an assistive device and the changes in wheelchair mobility performance before and after warm-up in able-bodied participants. Methods Thirteen able-bodied participants (nine males and four females; mean age: 34.3 ± 6.11 years) were analyzed. Warm-up consisted of a five-minute stand-up exercise using the lumbar-type Hybrid Assistive Limb®. Before and after warm-up, a 3-3-6 m sprint was performed as a wheelchair mobility performance test. The 3-3-6 m sprint is a test in which the athlete repeatedly accelerates, decelerates, and stops while driving at maximum effort for a total of 12 m (0-3 m, 3-6 m, and 6-12 m). The time required for the 3-3-6 m sprint and maximum instantaneous speed, acceleration time, deceleration time, hip joint angle, and average muscle activity of the lower limb and trunk muscles during the acceleration/deceleration phase of each section were compared before and after warm-up exercise. Results Warm-up with an assistive device was safe in healthy participants. The time required for the 3-3-6 m sprint was significantly reduced after the warm-up compared to that before the warm-up (p=0.005). Although not significant, there was a trend toward shorter deceleration times after the warm-up for participants herein. Conclusions In able-bodied participants, warm-up with an assistive device is safe; it may improve wheelchair mobility performance. Further research is required to determine its impact on para-athletes with disabilities.

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols do not further increase jumping performance beyond warm-up effects: findings from three acute randomized crossover trials.

Introduction: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) cannot be clearly distinguished from and may be explained in large by warm-up effects. To disentangle PAPE from a systemic warm-up effect, we conducted three randomized crossover trials (RCT). Methods: Each RCT consisted of a familiarization/one-repetition-maximum (1RM) assessment session followed by two interventional sessions (random order). In Study I, 18 participants (age: 26 ± 4years; height: 1.84 ± 0.06m; mass: 83.7 ± 8.7kg; Squat-1RM: 146 ± 19kg) performed either a 3-s isometric squat at 130%1RM or a 6-s isometric squat at 65%1RM. In Study II, 28 participants (11 female; age: 23 ± 3 years; height: 1.77 ± 0.08m; mass: 76.5 ± 10.4kg; Squat-1RM: 109 ± 38kg) completed either Squat (3 × 3 repetitions, 85%1RM) or local electromyostimulation of the quadriceps muscle (85% of individual pain threshold). In Study III, 20 participants (6 female, age: 25.0 ± 3.5 years, mass: 78.5 ± 15.8kg, height: 1.75 ± 0.08m; SQ-1RM: 114 ± 33kg, chest-press-1RM: 74 ± 29kg) performed either squats or chest press (4 repetitions, 80%1RM). Counter-Movement-Jump height (CMJ) was assessed after a general (PRE) and/or muscle-specific warm-up (POST_WU) and for up to 11min after the PAPE protocols. To identify possible differences in CMJ between the experimental conditions, mixed-design ANOVA models were used for each study individually, with condition and time modelled as fixed effects, while participants were included as a random effect blocking factor. The level of statistical significance was set at α = 5%. Results: In studies I and II, significant effects for time (p < 0.05, ωp 2 = 0.06 and p < 0.001, ωp 2 = 0.43) were found with the highest CMJ compared to all other time points at PRE (≤8.2 ± 4.6%, standardized mean difference: ≤0.39), regardless of condition. In study III, no significant effects were observed. Discussion: Thus, PAPE protocols do not further improve jumping performance compared to a general and muscle-specific traditional warm-up. Prior to tasks requiring explosive strength, general and sport-specific warm-up strategies should be used.

Immediate Effects of Vocal Warm-Up on the Acoustic and Aerodynamic Parameters of Speech-Language Pathology Students

Immediate Effects of Vocal Warm-Up on the Acoustic and Aerodynamic Parameters of Speech-Language Pathology Students

Effects of plyometric warm-up performed with different resistances on jumping performance as post-activation potentiation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of plyometric warm-up with different resistances as post activation potentiation stimulus on vertical jump performance. Fifteen athletes from short and middle distance branches of athletics who have been training regularly for at least 5 years and at least 5 days a week attended the study voluntarily. The athletes in this study were warmed up for 5 minutes at a speed of 8 km/h on a treadmill, followed by 5 minutes of passive rest. Completing 5 minutes of passive rest, the athletes were randomly sampled and any of the 50 lb, 60 lb, 70 lb, 80 lb resistance or non-resistance warm-up protocols consisting of 3 sets on the vertimax device were carried out. After warming up, 5 minutes of passive rest was given and then squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump tests were performed. Repeated measures ANOVA test was conducted in the analyses of the measurements of jump distance and power of the athletes participating in this study both without resistance and after the applied resistances. Significant differences were observed in SJ and CMJ values after PAP warm-up without and with resistance (p &lt; .05). The height and power values of SJ after PAP warm-up with 70 lb and 80 lb resistance bands were found significantly higher than those without resistance (p &lt; .05). Furthermore, the height and power values of CMJ after PAP warm-up with 80 lb resistance bands were found significantly higher than the values of warm-up without resistance (p &lt; .05). In conclusion, even though an increase in jump height and power values was observed with each resistance increment, significant increases in power and height values as a PAP response were achieved at 70 and 80 lb resistance for SJ and 80 lb resistance for CMJ.

The effect of warm-up with transcranial direct current stimulation on performance factors in collegiate golfers.

This study aimed to determine the effects of warm-up using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on performance factors in collegiate golfers and to provide a scientific basis for the effectiveness and methodology of tDCS. We sought to compare the effects of tDCS as an additional treatment during warm-up. tDCS is generally activated when a small electric current is applied to the motor cortex of the cerebral cortex, which has been reported to be helpful in improving motor function. Therefore, we sought to prove the effectiveness of combined warm-up exercise and tDCS. Twenty-two collegiate male golfers were divided into tDC- (tDCS; n=11) and sham-treated (sham; n=11) groups. To examine performance factors, the following were assessed following tDCS application: carry, clubhead speed (CHS), ball speed (BS) for driver performance, countermovement jump (CMJ) for lower extremity muscle power, global rating of change (GRC) for the subjective change in condition of the participants, and test of attentional interpersonal style (TAIS) for concentration. This study showed that warm-up with tDCS had positive effects on carry (p=.004), CHS (p=.019), BS (p=.017) of driver performance, CMJ (p=.002), and GRC (p=.005), however, no significant effect on TAIS was found, which suggest that the effects of the warm-up with tDCS were significant for driver performances, CMJ, and GRC. Future studies should independently validate the effectiveness of tDCS and apply it to different situations and timeframes, such as training and competitions, to provide new alternative strategies or performance improvement.

Acute effects of a vigorous-intensity warm-up on response suppression and decision-making of football referees

ABSTRACT This study investigates the acute effect of physical exercise simulating a standard pre-competitive warm-up on the response suppression and decision-making of football referees. Thirty-four referees (n = 17 – regional level; n = 17 – national level) participated in the study. A Stop-Signal Task (SST) and a decision-making video test were used to evaluate the referees’ perceptual-cognitive functions. The findings revealed that the vigorous aerobic exercise acutely impacted basic cognitive functions, as indicated by decreased reaction time and decreased choice accuracy. However, higher-order cognitive functions such as response suppression and decision-making did not exhibit significant changes post-exercise. Based on these results, there is no evidence to suggest that a vigorous-intensity warm-up is likely to favour response suppression and decision-making factors in the initial phases of the game. National referees showed superior response suppression abilities (shorter stop-signal reaction times and lower probability of responding to the stop-signal) than regional referees, indicating that higher-level referees possess enhanced perceptual-cognitive skills, likely influenced by their experience. Further studies are required to determine whether these variables can be acutely improved through physical exercise. In this regard, our results suggest the need for alternative strategies in pre-competitive referee warm-ups if aiming to improve perceptual-cognitive skills in the initial phases of the game.

Feasibility and Effects of a Neuromuscular Warm-Up Based on the Physical Literacy Model for 8-12-Year-Old-Children

ABSTRACT Background: Physical literacy and injury prevention strategies use similar movement-related constructs and can be connected to develop comprehensive interventions. We aimed to test the feasibility and effects of a neuromuscular warm-up based on physical literacy and injury prevention strategies for 8–12-year-old children. Methods: We conducted a cluster non-randomized controlled trial. We defined a priori feasibility criteria and studied the effects of the intervention on physical literacy constructs, movement competence, and neuromuscular performance. We used generalized linear mixed models controlling for covariates and clustering with a significance level of 0.001. Results: We recruited 18 groups (n = 363) and randomly allocated nine to intervention (n = 179; female = 63.7%, age = 9.8 ± 1 years) and nine to control (n = 184, female = 53.3%, age = 9.9 ± 0.9 years). We met four of seven feasibility criteria (i.e. recruitment, adherence, enjoyment, perceived exertion). The three feasibility criteria that were not met (i.e. compliance, fidelity, follow-up) were slightly below the predefined threshold (90%). Model-adjusted mean differences for physical literacy constructs, movement competence, vertical jump height, horizontal jump distance, 20-m sprint time, and dynamic balance favored the intervention (p < .001). Conclusion: The feasibility evidence indicates that the intervention should be slightly modified before implementing it in a larger study. The observed mean differences are promising and can be used in planning future interventions.

The Relationship between Inspiratory Muscle Strength and Cycling Performance: Insights from Hypoxia and Inspiratory Muscle Warm-Up.

Hypoxia increases inspiratory muscle work and consequently contributes to a reduction in exercise performance. We evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) on a 10 km cycling time trial in normoxia (NOR) and hypoxia (HYP). Eight cyclists performed four time trial sessions, two in HYP (FiO2: 0.145) and two in NOR (FiO2: 0.209), of which one was with IMW (set at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure-MIP) and the other was with the placebo effect (PLA: set at 15% MIP). Time trials were unchanged by IMW (NORIMW: 893.8 ± 31.5 vs. NORPLA: 925.5 ± 51.0 s; HYPIMW: 976.8 ± 34.2 vs. HYPPLA: 1008.3 ± 56.0 s; p > 0.05), while ventilation was higher in HYPIMW (107.7 ± 18.3) than HYPPLA (100.1 ± 18.9 L.min-1; p ≤ 0.05), and SpO2 was lower (HYPIMW: 73 ± 6 vs. HYPPLA: 76 ± 6%; p ≤ 0.05). A post-exercise-induced reduction in inspiratory strength was correlated with exercise elapsed time during IMW sessions (HYPIMW: r = -0.79; p ≤ 0.05; NORIMW: r = -0.70; p ≤ 0.05). IMW did not improve the 10 km time trial performance under normoxia and hypoxia.

Effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up on perceptual, physiological, and performance outcomes during high-intensity exercise in normoxia and hypoxia

Some evidence shows that an inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) could enhance exercise performance; however, the mechanistic basis is unclear. PURPOSE: To examine how IMW affects the sensory and affective components of dyspnea, exercise performance, and locomotor muscle oxygenation. METHODS: Thirteen recreationally active individuals (23 ± 5 yr, 5 women) performed a cycling time to exhaustion test (~80-85% VȮ2max) preceded by either IMW (2x30 breaths, 40% maximal inspiratory pressure) or SHAM (2x30 breaths, 15% maximal inspiratory pressure) in normoxic (FIO2 = 0.21) and hypoxic (FIO2 = 0.16) conditions (i.e., 4 trials total). NIRS, dyspnea (i.e., breathing intensity and breathing unpleasantness), and cardiorespiratory parameters were measured throughout. Cardiorespiratory variables were analyzed using the individual isotime method. RESULTS: There were no differences in mean dyspnea responses between IMW and SHAM ( p &gt; 0.05). Mean Δ tissue saturation index (TSI) did not reach statistical significance between IMW and SHAM in normoxia ( p = 0.110) or hypoxia ( p = 0.07). Mean performance was not different in normoxia ( p = 0.636) or hypoxia ( p = 0.512). In normoxia, V̇E ( p = 0.059) and fB ( p = 0.056) approached significance with IMW values greater compared to SHAM in the third isotime. CONCLUSION: Group improvements in dyspnea, performance, and ΔTSI were not seen following IMW. However, the degree of select individual responses suggest this intervention has interindividual applicability that should not be overlooked. No external funding was received for this work. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 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.

Short all-out isokinetic cycling exercises of 90 and 15 s unlock exercise-induced hypoalgesia.

Acute physical activity leads to exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). However, to what degree it can be induced by very short but highly intensive exercise is largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of two different short all-out isokinetic exercise sessions on EIH. Twenty young male participants underwent three different interventions (90, 15 s all-out isokinetic cycling, respectively, and control) after an individualized low-intensity warm-up in a randomized-controlled-crossover design. Before (pre), after warm-up (post 1) as well as immediately post-intervention (post 2) pain sensitivity was measured employing pressure pain thresholds (PPT; in N) at the elbow, knee and ankle joints as well as the sternum and forehead. Performance parameters (e.g. lactate, perceived exertion, heart rate) were documented. A 'time' × 'intervention' × 'body site' interaction effect (p < 0.001, η2 partial = 0.110) was observed for PPT. Both isokinetic interventions resulted in EIH at all body sites, even after ruling out any warm-up effects, while effects were larger for 90 s (maximum increase of 25.7 ± 11.7 N) compared to 15 s (maximum increase of 19.3 ± 18.9 N), and control (maximum increase of 8.0 ± 6.1 N). Compared to control, 15 s also resulted in hypoalgesic effects and differences were not observed at all sites. In this study, 90 s resulted in higher lactate, subjective exhaustion and heart rate levels compared to 15 s and control (p < 0.001), while higher values were also observed for 15 s compared to control. Global EIH assessed immediately after exercise can be induced by short highly intensive exercises. The effects are greater when the subjective and the objective exertion are higher as induced by the 90 s intervention. This study investigates the potential for brief, highly intensive exercise sessions to induce exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). The research demonstrates that EIH can indeed be triggered by such short workouts, with greater effects observed during a 90 s session compared to a 15 s one, most likely due to higher subjective and objective exertion. These findings offer insights into the potential for extremely brief but intense exercises to alleviate pain, impacting exercise recommendations and pain management strategies.

Effects of High-Intensity Inspiratory Muscle Warm-Up on High-Intensity Exercise Performance and Muscle Oxygenation.

An inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) improves inspiratory muscle function, but the effects of high-intensity exercise are inconsistent. We aimed to determine the effects of high-intensity IMW on high-intensity exercise performance and muscle oxygenation. Ten healthy men (maximal oxygen uptake [V˙O2max] 52.2 [5.0]mL·kg-1·min-1) performed constant-load exercise to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer at V˙O2max under 2 IMW conditions: a placebo condition (PLA) and a high-intensity IMW condition (HIGH). The inspiratory loads were set at 15% and 80% of maximal inspiratory pressure, respectively. Maximal inspiratory pressure was measured before and after IMW. Oxyhemoglobin was measured in the vastus lateralis by near-infrared spectroscopy during exercise. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE)for a leg was measured after 1 and 2minutes of exercise. Exercise tolerance was significantly higher under HIGH than PLA (228 [49]s vs 218 [49]s, P = .003). Maximal inspiratory pressure was significantly increased by IMW under HIGH (from 125 [20] to 136 [25] cm H2O, P = .031). Oxyhemoglobin was significantly higher under HIGH than PLA at 80% of the total duration of exercise (P = .048). RPE for the leg was significantly lower under HIGH than PLA after 2minutes of exercise (P = .019). Given that oxyhemoglobin is an index of local oxygen supply, the results of this study suggest that high-intensity IMW increases the oxygen supply to active limbs. It may also reflect a reduction in RPE in the leg. In addition, high-intensity IMW may improve exercise performance.

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.