The effect of different warm-up protocols in repeated sprint ability performance in active young adults

Abstract

Although little scientific evidence supports its effectiveness, warm up is a widely accepted practice preceding training session or every athletic event. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of different warm-up protocols in repeated sprints test. Fifty participants performed the Repeated Sprint Ability test 4 times in different days. Before each test the participants performed one of the 4 protocols randomly chosen, one with aerobic running and joint mobilization (C), one including aerobic running and static stretches (SS), one with aerobic running and dynamic stretches (DW) and a control one without warm-up (NW). The 4 protocols were compared using 4 indicators of performance in the RSA test (first sprint, fastest sprint and fatigue index). We hypothesized that no significant differences between protocols in fatigue index will be find, and better results in first and fastest sprint for protocols DW e C and worst results for SS protocol.