Warm-up Research Articles

Cardiovascular Response and Locomotor Demands of Elite Basketball Referees During International Tournament: A Within- and Between-Referee Analysis.

There is little knowledge about within- and between-referee variation (WBRV) in cardiovascular responses (CVR) and locomotor game demands (LMD). Thus, the primary aim of this study was to assess the WBRV of CVR and LMD in male basketball referees during elite international games in preparation [e.g., warm-up (WU) and re-warm-up (R-WU)] and active game phases. The secondary aim was to explore quarter-by-quarter differences in CVR and LMD. Thirty-five international male referees took part in this study (age, 40.4 ± 5.4 years; body height, 184.9 ± 5.7 cm; body weight, 85.1 ± 7.5 kg; BMI, 24.0 ± 1.7 kg × m-2; fat%, 18.8 ± 4.7% and VO2max, 50.4 ± 2.2 L × kg-1 × min-1. In total, 76 games (e.g., 228 officiating cases) were analyzed during the FIBA elite men's competition. They officiated 4.5 games on average (range 3-9 games). Each referee used the Polar Team Pro system to measure CVR [e.g., heart rate (HR), time spent in different HR intensity categories] and LMD (e.g., distance covered, maximal and average velocity, and number of accelerations). Results showed that the referees had bigger WBRV during the active and preparation (e.g., W-U than R-WU) phase when variables of higher CVR and LMD intensity were observed (e.g., time spent at higher HR zones, distance covered in higher speed zones). The WBRV, CVR, and LMD were higher during WU than R-WU. Moreover, the referees had a lower CVR and LMD in the second half. In conclusion, the referees should establish and follow consistently a game-to-game preparation routine and attempt to spread their on-court preparation time equally within the crew. A half-time preparation routine should be improved to re-establish a sufficient activation level similar to that achieved in pre-game preparation.

7.C. Scientific session: Commercial determinants of health: impeding attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract The commercial determinants of health (CDOH) and the adverse impacts they have on health equity globally, have recently emerged as an innovative growing field of research in public health. The corporate playbook comprises a myriad of strategies and tactics that aim to enhance profitability for the commercial actors, while harming health and posing grave risks to planetary health for current and future generations. The literature however, rarely explicitly makes the connection between commercial determinants and the impact they have on the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations in 2015. This workshop aims to use the commercial determinants of health framework as a new approach to draw attention to, and make linkages between, commercial determinants and the challenges they pose to the attainment of several if not all the global SDGs. The four presentations showcase exemplars of the commercial determinants to include the firearms industry, fossil fuel industry, food industry and the tobacco industry focusing on impacts in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The workshop will start with a brief overview of the CDOH framework, their corporate playbook, and the progress in SDG attainment globally while presenting the first case on the firearms industry trade impacting armed conflicts that impede SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing), 10 (reduced inequalities), and 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions). The second presentation will discuss how the fossil fuel industry uses greenwashing tactics to conceal its harmful activities thereby compromising SDGs 7 (affordable and clean energy), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and 13 (climate action). The third presentation will address how the tobacco industry impedes the advancement of SDG 3, 8 (decent work and economic growth), 13 (climate action) and 17 (partnerships for the goals) perpetuated by national system level attributes. The last presentation will showcase how the food industry challenges SDG 3 in its production of ultra-processed foods. The workshop will draw on evidence from LMICs, but is also eye opening for high-income countries of Europe which face industry interference in social and health policymaking progress in SGD attainment. The audience will be engaged in a short warm-up exercise at the start of the workshop through an app for real-time feedback accessed through a QR code on the screen, and will interact with the presenters at the end of the workshop if time permits. Key messages • All commercial actors pose a direct or indirect threat to progress in attaining the SDGs. • The commercial determinants of health pose are in direct contradiction to the SDG 17 through their corporate playbook.

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.

Influence of whole-body vibration and drop jump on the range of motion in the ankle joint and running parameters-Arandomized crossover study.

Warm-up (WU) is a commonly practiced technique aimed at preparing athletes for physical activity. Although coaches and athletes consider WU essential, there is still an ongoing debate about its effectiveness. This might be due to the fact that WU procedures often rely on experiences rather than scientific research. During WU, athletes may pursue intermediate goals such as ensuring proper ranges of motion in joints, which seem crucial particularly for runners' ankle joints. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate influence of whole-body vibration (WBV), drop jump (DJ), and a combination of both (WBV+DJ) in terms of ankle dorsiflexion and running parameters among recreational runners. Sixteen runners performed as a WU: five sets of 30s calf raises without WBV (CTRL), five sets of 30s calf raises during WBV, five sets of six DJ, five sets of 30s calf raises during WBV followed by 6 DJ. Range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint was measured in a prone position using an inclinometer for the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, separately. Measurements were conducted before and after WU, and after a 3000m run. There was no interaction for time and WU for left (p=0.926) and right (p=0.738) soleus muscle as well as for left (p=0.748) and right (p=0.197) gastrocnemius muscles. No difference (p=0.914) for the running time was found. WBV, drop jumps, or a combination of both did not affect ankle dorsiflexion and running time.

Ratio of accelerations to decelerations in Women’s division I lacrosse

This study analyzed the differences by position in acceleration, deceleration, and the ratio of accelerations to decelerations in drills and quarters of games (Q1-Q4). Data were collected in 23 female collegiate lacrosse athletes (20.8 ± 1.5 years, 168.3 ± 6.1 cm), consisting of ten midfielders, five defenders, and eight attackers. Drills were categorized as: stickwork (SW), small-sided games (SSG), warm-up (WU), active recovery (AR), individual skills (IS), scrimmage, and conditioning. AR (0.31 ± 0.09 accelerations/min) and WU (0.47 ± 0.07 accelerations/min) showed the lowest number of accelerations, and conditioning and SW were the highest (>1.0 accelerations/min). Conditioning showed the highest demand for decelerations (0.37 ± 0.14 decelerations/min) and AR and WU had the fewest (0.10 ± 0.04 decelerations/min). AR, IS, SW, and WU all had higher acceleration/deceleration ratios (4:1 to 5.7:1) than the remaining drill types (p = .000 - .050, 3:1-4:1). Q1 had a higher acceleration demand (0.72 ± 0.52 accelerations/minute) than the remaining three quarters (0.57 - 0.67 accelerations/min). The game demand in decelerations was approximately 0.20 decelerations/minute across all quarters and the acceleration/deceleration ratio was approximately 4:1, with the exception of defenders in Q1 who had 6:1 ratio. There is a large demand for accelerations in field lacrosse with no positional differences, and training should be devoted towards this skill.

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.

Investigating the Immediate Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching Exercises of Lower Extremities Muscles on Core Stability in Young Healthy Females

Introduction: This study investigates the immediate effects of warm-up exercises, specifically static and dynamic stretches for the lower extremities, on strength, endurance, flexibility, motor control, and core stability function in young, healthy females. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 healthy, active women aged 19-30 years were randomly divided into three groups as follows: Static stretching (SS), dynamic stretching (DS), and a control group (CG), which received no exercises. Evaluation methods for core stability included strength, endurance, sit-and-reach, Y-balance, and bilateral squat tests. Meanwhile, these tests were conducted before and after the prescribed exercise protocols. Results: Both the SS and DS groups experienced significant increases in all core stability components compared to their baseline values (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the analysis of variance/ analysis of covariance indicated that immediately after performing the stretching exercises, the SS and DS groups exhibited significantly greater improvements in parameters, such as strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance tests (except for the posterior-medial direction) when compared to the CG (P<0.05). Regarding functional parameters after the exercises, there were no statistically significant differences between the study groups (P>0.05). In addition, dynamic exercises demonstrated a higher effectiveness than static exercises for most parameters (P<0.05). Conclusion: Warm-up exercises, involving both static and dynamic stretches for lower limb muscles appear to have an immediate positive impact on core stability parameters. In sports that demand strong trunk muscles and balance, the dynamic protocol may be more effective

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.

Effects of Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients After Myocardial Infarction

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of mortality and physical disability worldwide, particularly among the elderly. Despite advancements in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and pharmacotherapy, many MI patients continue to experience health deterioration. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has shown potential in improving myocardial perfusion, endothelial function, and reducing thrombotic activity, thereby enhancing patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of a supervised exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program on quality of life, heart rate, and blood pressure in patients’ post-myocardial infarction. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 36 participants aged 40 to 60 who experienced an MI within the previous three weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to Group A (exercise program) or Group B (educational interventions). Group A engaged in a 6-week supervised exercise program, including warm-up exercises, aerobic activities, and cool-down sessions. Quality of life was assessed using the CDC HRQOL-14 questionnaire, while heart rate and blood pressure were measured pre- and post-intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25, employing independent and paired sample t-tests. Results: Group A showed significant improvements in HRQOL scores: Module 1 (p=0.04), Module 2 (p=0.04), and Module 3 (p=0.02). Heart rate improved by 12 bpm (p=0.03), and systolic blood pressure reduced by 8.81 mmHg (p=0.01) in Group A compared to Group B. Conclusion: Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation significantly improves quality of life, heart rate, and blood pressure in post-MI patients.

Health Aspects of Amateur Long-Distance Running

Introduction: Running, as a generally accessible form of physical activity, is recognized as a popular means of preventing lifestyle diseases. Each year, an increasing number of people of various ages, levels of training, and physical fitness participate in mass running events. Purpose: The study aims to identify the opinions of amateur long-distance runners regarding health. Material: 140 individuals from several Polish provinces, approximately 30 years old. Method: A proprietary questionnaire survey. Results: The most important factor motivating the respondents to engage in long-distance running is the improvement of sports performance, followed by the need to relieve stress, improve quality of life, and, to a lesser extent, health goals. According to most respondents, endurance-based long-distance running is healthy because it improves physical fitness, positively affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, enhances immunity, and is a way to relieve stress. Only a few respondents believe that running is not healthy. The main forms of preparation for half marathons and marathons among runners include warm-up exercises before the planned effort and strength and muscle stretching exercises. In the studied group of runners, past injuries do not diminish the satisfaction of engaging in long-distance running. Despite a significant number of respondents having experienced injuries in the past while practicing this sport, they still consider running to be healthy. Conclusions: Long-distance running brings numerous health benefits. It improves physical fitness, positively affects cardiovascular function, including lowering blood pressure, significantly enhances sleep quality, and helps reduce stress, as confirmed by the respondent’s opinions.

The Effect of Dynamic Warm-Up Exercise Durations on Different Jump Types in Young Male Boxers

This study was conducted to determine the effects of various durations of dynamic warm-up exercise on different jump types in young male boxers. Fourteen young male athletes (mean age: 16.86±1.03 years, height: 172.57±11.34 cm, body weight: 65.21±16.42 kg) voluntarily participated in the study, which employed a pretest-posttest experimental research model, a quantitative method, without a control group. The athletes were instructed to run for 5 minutes at an average heart rate of 120 beats/min, followed by dynamic stretching consisting of 10 different exercises for durations of 5, 10, and 15 minutes on different days. After each period of different dynamic exercises, the participants performed drop jump, countermovement jump, and squat jump tests. The SPSS package program was used to analyze the data obtained from the research. Repeated Measures ANOVA and the Bonferroni test, a post-hoc test, were applied to normally distributed data. Examining the drop jump test results, a significant difference was detected between the various dynamic warm-up times (p < .05), with the distance measured after the 10-minute exercise period higher than those following the 5- and 15-minute warm-up periods. There were no significant differences between the dynamic warm-up times (p ˃ .05) for the countermovement jump and squat jump tests. As a result, dynamic warm-up exercises were determined to improve the drop jump performance of young male boxers, with the 10-minute exercise duration more positively affecting drop jump performance than either the 5- or 15-minute warm-up periods.

Validation of the conceptual framework and intervention scope of oral function rehabilitation exercise.

This study used a Delphi survey to define the concept of oral function rehabilitation exercise (OFRE) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and to categorise intervention domains for community-dwelling older adults. While numerous studies have been conducted to improve oral function through exercise interventions, the conceptual definition of oral exercise remains unclear and there is a lack of systematic categorisation of oral exercise intervention domains. A preliminary model was developed based on the key findings of 19 papers selected from a prior systematic review. Its validity was confirmed through a Delphi survey conducted twice with eight expert panellists. Consensus was achieved by evaluating the validity of the OFRE conceptual framework, the accuracy of OFRE conceptual definitions, and intervention domains. Through expert consensus, an ICF-based OFRE conceptual framework was developed that includes 21 factors that affect the oral health status of the older adults. The OFRE intervention domain for improving the health status consisted of oral function rehabilitation warm-up exercise, masticatory function exercise, swallowing function exercise, articulatory function exercise, salivary function exercise, and oral function rehabilitation cool-down exercise, and 11 specific intervention methods were derived. The OFRE intervention can be used for planning and applying successful interventions to improve oral function and life function of older adults.

Effects of Fast-Tempo and Binaural Beat Therapy Music during Warm-Up on Repeated Sprint Ability Test Performance among Young Soccer Players.

This prospective crossover study aimed to investigate the effect of binaural beat therapy music on soccer player performance. Between July 2023 and December 2023, 45 athletes (31 females/14 males, mean age = 20.47 ± 0.99) wore Bluetooth earphones through which one of the following was given during initial 20 min warm-up exercises before undergoing repeated sprint ability tests: no music/fast-tempo music/fast-tempo music with background binaural beat therapy music. Heart rate change after warm-up exercises/repeated sprint ability (RSA) tests and the time to finish RSA tests were recorded. Despite no significant difference in heart rate increase after warm-up between the two genders regardless of intervention, larger increases after RSA tests were found in males following any of the three interventions (all p < 0.01) with the most notable difference observed after fast-tempo music (p < 0.0001). A significant effect size (r = 0.2) correlated with fast-tempo music during warm-up in either gender. Binaural beat therapy music during warm-up reached a significant effect size only when all participants were considered, suggesting limited benefits.

The Effect of Sportsmetrics Training on Landing Technique in Female Volleyball Players With Dynamic Knee Valgus

Background and Aims The most serious and severe injuries among female volleyball players is the knee injury, especially the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Its key risk factors are dynamic knee valgus (DKV) and abnormal alignment during jump landing. One of the successful protocols regarding the prevention of knee injuries in female volleyball players is professional sportsmetrics volleyball training. In the present study, the effect of this protocol on DKV correction and landing error scoring system (LESS) was investigated. Methods The current research is quasi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design. The statistical sample included 30 female volleyball players (Mean±SD age: 20.83±2.22 years, Mean±SD height: 168.16±6.47 cm, Mean±SD weight: 59.13±7.4 kg, Mean±SD body mass index (BMI): 20.83±1.52 kg/m2, and Mean±SD sports experience: 5.46±1.8 years) who were randomly divided into the training (15 people) and control (15 people) groups. Double leg squat and LESS tests were used to evaluate DKV and landing error. The exercise group participated in the present protocol for 6 weeks, three sessions per week. Each session was approximately 90 minutes, including warm-up exercises, sportsmetrics volleyball training, and cool-down. The analyses of covariance were used to evaluate the data at a significant level of P=0.05. Results The results of covariance analysis showed that performing these exercises significantly reduced (P=0.01) DKV (from 23.13 to 7.86) and landing error (from 17.46 to 7.6). In other words, the training group experienced a 66% decrease in DKV and a 56% decrease in landing error after performing six weeks of sportsmetrics volleyball training. Conclusion Sportsmetrics volleyball training has successfully improved performance and prevented ACL injury in female volleyball players. According to the present study results, performing these exercises leads to correct DKV and improves lower extremity alignment and landing technique. Therefore, performing sportsmetrics volleyball training is strongly recommended for female volleyball players with DKV.

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.

DIESEL ENGINE WEAR DURING WARMING UP

DIESEL ENGINE WEAR DURING WARMING UP

Effects of caffeine and chronobiotics on morning repeated sprint performance

Gross muscular performance (lasting &lt;6 s) is 3.4-10.2% higher in the evening when compared with early morning (17:00-19:00 vs. 06:00-10:00 h; Pullinger et al., 2019). However, there is limited research on the effect of caffeine and chronobioltics (bright light) on gross muscular performance, in the early hours of the morning. Twelve healthy, active male participants (mean±SD; age, 21 ± 2 years, body mass, 79 ± 6 kg; stature, 180 ± 5 cm) volunteered and completed 2 familiarisation sessions and 2 experimental sessions. Experimental condition 1: caffeine pill condition (ingested at 06:30 h and 2; Exposure to bright light for 1 h and exercising for the last 30-min on a cycle ergometer at 07:00 h the morning before morning performance; with dawn simulation exposure for 30-min prior to waking on the testing day. Participants retired at 22:30 and woke at 06:30 h throughout the experiment. Both sessions commence at 07:00 h. On entry to the laboratory participants were seated and after intra-aural temperature (IA) was recorded 30-min. During this time questionnaires were administrated regarding mood and prior sleep. Following this, participants then took part in several tests including agility, hand grip strength, counter movement jump and squat jumps. Agility was measured (Whitty SEM Microgate system, UK). Hand grip strength was measured using a dynamometer and squat and countermovement jump values were measured using a jump mat (best of 3 attempts). After this, participants then completed a warm-up (5-min at 10km/h on a motorised treadmill followed by a combination of stretches). Participants were then asked to complete 10 full effort sprints were time, rating of perceived exertion, heart rate and thermal comfort were recorded after each sprint during the 30 s rest. Blood glucose and lactate were also measured before exercise, post warm-up and post exercise. After 30-min participants were asked to cycle around 160 bpm. Heart rate, RPE and thermal comfort were recorded every 5-min. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of caffeine and chronobiotics (bright light/exercise and dawn simulation) on morning RSP and grip strength.

Efficacy of neuromuscular exercises to promote movement quality and reduce musculoskeletal injury during initial military training in Royal Navy recruits

IntroductionMusculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) are a significant problem in the Royal Navy, contributing to 48% of all medical discharges from service between 2019 and 2020. The objective of the study was...

The application of a single session of capacitive resistive electric transfer 24 h before exercise modifies the accelerometric pattern in standardbred racing trotters

BackgroundIt has been reported that capacitive resistive electric transfer (CRET) increases blood circulation, hemoglobin oxygenation and temperature in muscles. The attributed benefits of these changes have been linked to improved athletic performance, enhanced muscle flexibility and fastening recovery from exercise-induced fatigue. For all of this, the present research aims to investigate whether the application of CRET 24 h before exercise affects the accelerometric pattern in horses during exercise. Six sound Standardbred trotters were subjected to a CRET session of 40 min of duration, applied on both sides of the neck, back and croup, 24 h before a training session. Training sessions consisted of a warming-up (WU) for 6400 m and a training bout (TB) at their maximal training speed for 1600 m. The same protocol was followed for the device off (sham protocol), also applied 24 h before the training session. CRET and sham experiments were separated by one week, the order of application of both was randomly defined for each individual and drivers were blinded for the duration of the experiment. During the training sessions, horses wore an accelerometer fixed at the sternal level. Speed, stride frequency (SF), length (SL), regularity and symmetry and accelerometric activities were measured during WU and TB.ResultsCRET increased speed, mediolateral and total accelerometric activities during WU and speed, SL, dorsoventral, longitudinal and total accelerometric activities during TB, but stride regularity and symmetry decreased.ConclusionThe application of CRET 24 h before exercise increased speed and accelerometric activities, results that highlight the need to evaluate the interaction between CRET and training in order to develop new methods to limit fatigue. However, the decrease in stride regularity and symmetry after CRET application could be negative effects, which could be attributed to the increased speed.

The Effects of Different Stretching Techniques Used in Warm-Up on the Triggering of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Soccer Players

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of different stretching techniques used during warm-up exercises prior to post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) on the explosive lower extremity strength performance of soccer players. This cross-sectional study involved the participation of 13 male soccer players with an average age of 22.38 ± 1.75, body height of 174.38 ± 3.94, and body mass of 72.30 ± 4.13. To determine the participants’ maximal strength performance, one repeated maximal strength (1-RM) squat exercise was applied. The PAPE protocol was then implemented with a squat exercise consisting of three repetitions at 80% of 1-RM. The warm-up protocols consisted of 5 min of cycling, followed by dynamic stretching, static stretching, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises. These protocols were applied on four different days with a 72 h interval. A vertical jump test was conducted to measure the participants’ explosive strength performance. The research data were analyzed using IBM Statistics (SPSS version 26.0, Armonk, NY, USA) software. The findings of this study revealed statistically significant differences in vertical jump performance values after PAPE among participants based on the different stretching techniques used during warm-up (p = 0.00). In this context, the research concluded that dynamic stretching is the optimal stretching technique during warm-up exercises before PAPE to maximize its effects. On the other hand, static stretching was found to negatively affect performance by absorbing the PAPE effect.