Search Results (10)

Objectives: We compared the effects of two active re-warm-up protocols applied during halftime’s last three minutes, after a warm-up, testing, and a simulated first-half match. Methods: Twenty-two professional players from a first Portuguese division club were randomized into two re-warm-up protocols during a simulated match interval: (i) a strength, plyometrics, and balance protocol (SPBP); and (ii) a soccer-specific protocol (SSP). Players were assessed for a 20-m linear sprint and countermovement jump (CMJ) after the warm-up and the re-warm-up. Descriptive statistics and mixed ANOVA were performed, with effect size assessed using partial eta-squared. The Acute Readiness Monitoring Scale (ARMS) questionnaire was administered after the simulated match and re-warm-up and was analyzed using a multifactorial ANOVA. Results: No significant interaction effects were observed (p > 0.05). Comparing pre-match to post-re-warm-up, there was a slight decrease in sprint (significant) and jump performance (non-significant). Additionally, there were no between-protocol differences in perceived readiness (ARMS). Conclusions: After the three-minute re-warm-up protocols, similar results were observed in the 20-m sprint performance, CMJ, and perceived readiness when comparing SPBP and SSP. These re-warm-up protocols (SPBP and SSP) are practical to implement within a 3-min time window, and, given their apparent lack of differences, players’ preferences could be considered. However, the SSP is currently subject to restrictions that limit teams’ access to the field during this period. Future research should compare active re-warm-up protocols with passive controls to more clearly assess their effectiveness. Full article

Objectives: This study examined the effects of re-warm-up versus no re-warm-up before squats or bench presses on mechanical, physiological, and psychophysiological responses in recreationally trained men. Methods: Twenty-two participants (22.8 ± 3.3 years) completed four randomized sessions involving different re-warm-up and exercise sequences. Measurements included heart rate, blood lactate, tympanic temperature, and perceived exertion. Key performance metrics, such as mean propulsive velocity, peak velocity, power, velocity loss, and effort index, were analyzed. Results: Findings revealed that re-warming up before squats (W + BP + RW + SQ) significantly enhanced propulsive velocity and power compared to no re-warm-up (W + BP + SQ) (p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.45–0.62). However, re-warming up before the bench press (W + SQ + RW + BP) did not improve mechanical performance compared to the standard sequence (W + SQ + BP) (p > 0.05; d = 0.10–0.38). Notably, velocity loss and effort index were higher in the third bench press set under the W + SQ + BP condition (p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.53–0.60). No significant differences in physiological or psychophysiological responses were found between conditions. Conclusions: Overall, re-warm-up effectively improved squat mechanical performance when performed after the bench press but had a minimal impact on the bench press when performed after squats. These findings suggest that re-warming up before lower-body exercises may enhance mechanical performance, while its benefits may be less pronounced for upper-body exercises. Full article

The present study investigated the acute effects of different stretching modalities applied within a warm-up on flexibility and vertical jump height. Thirty-seven young adults participated in four randomized experimental sessions, each corresponding to a different condition: static stretch (SS), dynamic stretch (DS), contract–relax with antagonist contraction (CRAC) or a control condition with no stretch (CTRL). Conditions were five min in total duration, including 2 × 15 s stretches for each muscle group (knee flexor, knee extensor, and plantar flexor muscles). Ten min and five min of cycling preceded and followed these procedures, respectively. Hamstring flexibility and a series of countermovement jump (CMJ) measurements were interspersed within this procedure. Except for CTRL, hamstring flexibility significantly increased (p < 0.01) after all experimental procedures (7.5 ± 6.6%, 4.1 ± 4.9%, and 2.7 ± 6.0% for CRA, SS, and DS, respectively). The relative increase was significantly greater for CRAC as compared CTRL (p < 0.001). Vertical jump height significantly decreased (p < 0.05) immediately after SS (−2.3 ± 3.9%), CTRL (−2.3 ± 3.5%), and CRAC (−3.2 ± 3.3%). Jump height was unchanged after DS (0.4 ± 4.5%). Whatever the condition, no additional jump height alteration was obtained after the re-warm-up. The main findings of the present study revealed that DS is more appropriate for maintaining vertical jump height. However, stretching has no major effect when performed within a warm-up. In contrast, if the main objective is to increase flexibility, CRAC is recommended. Full article

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 VO_2max, 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. Full article

The aim of the current investigation was to examine the locomotor performance profile of elite ladies Gaelic football (LGF) players in relation to playing position and quarters of play. Thirty (n = 30) elite LGF players (age: 24 ± 4 years, height: 169 ± 5 cm, body mass: 61 ± 4 kg) were monitored using 10 Hz GPS technology (Playertek; Catapult Sports; Australia) resulting in 145 individual samples collected over 18 competitive matches across the 2021 and 2022 LGF seasons. Locomotor performance was determined across the following variables: total distance covered (TD, m), relative distance (m·min⁻¹), high-speed running (HSR, ≥ 4.4 m·s⁻¹), very high-speed running (VHSR, ≥ 5.5 m·s⁻¹), relative HSR (RHSR; m·min⁻¹), peak velocity (m·s⁻¹), percentage peak velocity (%PeakV), accelerations (n; ≥ 3 m·s⁻²), and decelerations (n; ≤ −3 m·s⁻²). Data were classified based on playing position and quarter of play. The greatest TD was covered by half-backs, midfielders, and half-forwards, with these positions covering significantly greater distances than full-backs (p < 0.05). Similarly, half-backs, midfielders, and half-forwards covered the greatest high-speed distance (HSR). When running performance was analysed across quarters, a significant position by quarter interaction was observed for all running performance variables, except peak velocity and percentage peak velocity. A consistent trend for reduced locomotor performance was evident in the second and fourth quarters across all positional lines. The current data provide coaches with the position-specific locomotor requirements of LGF match-play, which can inform the design of training content for LGF players, along with match-day strategies. Given the reduction in locomotor performance observed across the match, performance staff may consider the use of nutritional interventions, rewarm-up strategies, or specific substitution policies to mitigate the decrement in locomotor performance observed across match-play. Full article

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether a re-warm-up training session either with tuck jumps and linear sprints or with changing of directions may enhance power, agility or ball shooting velocity in well-trained soccer players. Ten soccer players (age: 18.2 ± 1.7 years; body mass: 64.4 ± 8.0 kg; body height: 1.71 ± 0.04 m) participated in the study. Players performed three different re-warm-up interventions including no re-warm-up (C), change of direction (COD) and jump-sprint condition (JS). Before each re-warm-up intervention, players performed the same warm-up condition followed by 8 min of passive rest. Following the re-warm-up interventions, countermovement jump (CMJ), T-Test agility time-trial and ball shooting velocity were measured. Performance in CMJ height, power and power per body mass remained unchanged following all three conditions (p > 0.05). However, the agility time-trial was significantly reduced following COD re-warm-up compared to C (−1.7 ± 1.6%, p = 0.03). Ball shooting velocity was increased following COD compared to C (4.7 ± 3.8%, p = 0.014), while a statistical trend was found between JS and C interventions (4.8 ± 5.4%, p = 0.060). These results suggest that a re-warm-up intervention including changing of directions may significantly enhance T-Test agility time-trial and ball shooting velocity in well-trained soccer players. Full article

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a half-time short re-warm-up (RW) strategy on the performance of young soccer players in tests of physical abilities and running performance during matches. Twenty-three players (under 17) participated in the study. Body temperature, 10 m sprint, 30 m sprint, the Illinois agility test, countermovement jump (CMJ), and squat jump (SJ) were measured, immediately post-warm-up. Then in one condition, the tests were repeated after a passive rest, and in the other condition, after a 12 min passive rest and 3 min RW. Furthermore, the RW was applied at half-time of two of the four matches where the running performance was measured in the first quarter of the two halves. The results showed that the two conditions differed significantly in the 10 m sprint and CMJ performances (p < 0.001 and p = 0.049, respectively). After the passive rest, a significant decrease in body temperature and performance in SJ was observed (p < 0.001 for both). No other differences were observed. In conclusion, the short RW program can limit the decrement in performance in power tests such as sprints and jumps. Full article

Background and Objectives: The passive nature of rest breaks in sport could reduce athletes’ performance and even increase their risk of injury. Re-warm-up activities could help avoid these problems, but there is a lack of research on their efficacy. This systematic review aimed at analyzing the results of those randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that provided information on the effects of re-warm-up strategies. Materials and Methods: Four electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus) were searched from their inception to January 2021, for RCTs on the effects of re-warm-up activities on sports performance. Interventions had to be implemented just after an exercise period or sports competition. Studies that proposed activities that were difficult to replicate in the sport context or performed in a hot environment were excluded. Data were synthesized following PRISMA guidelines, while the risk of bias was assessed following the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Results: A total of 14 studies (178 participants) reporting data on acute or short-term effects were analyzed. The main outcomes were grouped into four broad areas: physiological measures, conditional abilities, perceptual skills, and sport efficiency measures. The results obtained indicated that passive rest decreases physiological function in athletes, while re-warm-up activities could help to improve athletes’ conditional abilities and sporting efficiency, despite showing higher fatigue levels in comparison with passive rest. The re-warm-up exercise showed to be more effective than passive rest to improve match activities and passing ability. Conclusions: Performing re-warm-up activities is a valuable strategy to avoid reducing sports performance during prolonged breaks. However, given that the methodological quality of the studies was not high, these relationships need to be further explored in official or simulated competitions. Full article

The aim of the study was to determine the between-match and between-halves match variability of various Global Positioning System (GPS) variables and metabolic power average (MPA) in competitions, based on the match results obtained by professional soccer players over a full season. Observations on individual match performance measures were undertaken on thirteen outfield players competing in the Iranian Premier League. The measures selected for analysis included total duration, accelerations in zones (AccZ1, 2, and 3), decelerations in zones (DecZ1, 2, and 3), and MPA collected by the Wearable Inertial Measurement Unit (WIMU). The GPS manufacturer set the thresholds for the variables analyzed as follows: AccZ1 (<2 m·s⁻²); AccZ2 (2 to 4 m·s⁻²); AccZ3 (>4 m·s⁻²); DecZ1 (<−2 m·s⁻²); DecZ2 (−2 to −4 m·s⁻²); DecZ3 (>−4 m·s⁻²). The results revealed significant differences between wins and draws for the duration of the match and draws compared to wins for the first- half duration (p ≤ 0.05; ES = 0.36 [−0.43, 1.12]), (p ≤ 0.05; ES = −7.0 [−8.78, −4.78], respectively. There were significant differences on AccZ1 during the first-half between draws and defeats (p ≤ 0.05; ES = −0.43 [−1.32, 0.46]), for AccZ3 in the second-half between draws and defeats (p ≤ 0.05; ES = 1.37 [0.48, 2.25]). In addition, there were significant differences between wins and draws (p ≤ 0.05; ES = 0.22 [−0.62, 1.10]), and wins and defeats for MPA in the first- half (p ≤ 0.05; ES = 0.34 [−0.65, 1.22]). MPA showed further differences between draws and defeats in the second- half (p ≤ 0.05; ES = 0.57 [−0.22, 1.35]). Descriptive analysis revealed differences between the first and second half for wins in AccZ2 (p = 0.005), DecZ2 (p = 0.029), and MPA (p = 0.048). In addition, draws showed significant differences between the first and second half in duration, AccZ1, AccZ2, and DecZ2 (p = 0.008), (p = 0.017), (p = 0.040), and (p = 0.037) respectively. Defeats showed differences between the first and second half in AccZ1, AccZ3, and MPA (p = 0.001), (p = 0.018), and (p = 0.003) respectively. In summary, the study reveals large variations between the match duration, accelerometer variables, and MPA both within and between matches. Regardless of the match outcome, the first half seems to produce greater outputs. The results should be considered when performing a half-time re-warm-up, as this may be an additional factor influencing the drop in the intensity markers in the second half in conjunction with factors such as fatigue, pacing strategies, and other contextual variables that may influence the results. Full article

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of four types of re-warm-up (R-WU) activity, namely rest in normoxia (RN) at FiO₂ = 20.9%, rest in hypoxia (RH) at FiO₂ = 15%, activity (4 × 5 jumps/15 s) in normoxia (AN) and activity in hypoxia (AH) on physical performance. Ten elite male rugby players completed a 15-min warm-up followed by one of the 15-min randomized R-WU strategies. After R-WU, countermovement jump (CMJ), 20 m sprint and repeat sprint ability (RSA) tests were assessed. Compared to passive strategies (RN and RH), tympanic temperature was higher after active R-WU (AN and AH) (p = 0.016). Higher values of CMJ height (p = 0.037) and 20 m sprint (p = 0.02) were found in AH than in RN. In addition, mean RSA was lower (p = 0.008) in AH than in RN and RH. Blood lactate concentration was higher (p = 0.007) after RN and AN strategies than after AH. Muscle O₂ saturation (p = 0.021) and total Hb (p = 0.042) were higher after AH than after the other three conditions and after RN, respectively. Therefore, an active R-WU under hypoxia could be useful to elite rugby players, once it had attenuated the decline in tympanic temperature during a 15-min period after warm-up, improving jump, sprint and RSA performance. Full article