A 1-Minute Re-warm Up at High-Intensity Improves Sprint Performance During the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test

Injury prevention in professional soccer players: can re-warmup training be organized in the post-warmup and half-time during a soccer game in a short time?

INTRODUCTION

Passive time, during the post-warmup and half-time, decreases athletes' performance and increases injury risk factors in the active phases of the soccer match. Objective. This narrative review aims to research and synthesize existing evidence to identify brief re-warmup strategies that may find applicability in the post-warmup and half-time of a soccer match.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The analysis was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar. Due to the lack of evidence, no temporal time was established, preferring most up-to-date articles. The data were synthesized in relation to the objectives, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Our research yielded a total of 753 studies, 463 related to re-warmup, 136 articles on re-warmup in soccer, and 154 articles on re-warmup during half-time. Of these, 26 met the inclusion objectives and were included in this research. Our findings confirm that a re-warmup can mitigate the decremental effect of static rest on performance. From the studies considered, we have identified a work that emphasizes how a 1-minute warmup of high-intensity exercise at speed corresponding to 90% of VO2max can prevent decreases related to passive time, in sprint performance and muscle strength, as well as improve muscle temperature. These results could apply to both post-warmup and half-time scenarios of a soccer match.

CONCLUSIONS

From this narrative review, it has been possible to highlight a one-minute high-intensity re-warmup that improved sprint performance, increased core temperature, and enhanced muscle activation, not leading to additional physiological or psychological fatigue.

Effect of High-Intensity With Short-Duration Re-Warm-Up on Subsequent Performance in a Cold Environment

ABSTRACT

Yamashita, Y and Umemura, Y. Effect of high-intensity with short-duration re-warm up on subsequent performance in a cold environment. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): e280-e287, 2024-The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity, short-duration re-warm-up (RW) during half time (HT) on subsequent performance in a cold environment. Eleven male subjects (age, 21 ± 2 years; height, 172.4 ± 4.5 cm; body mass, 65.6 ± 7.1 kg; V̇ o2 max, 47.5 ± 4.8 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ) performed 2 experimental trials comprising 40 minutes of intermittent cycling exercise, which consisted of 15-second rest, 25-second unloading cycling, 10-second high-intensity cycling, and 70-second moderate-intensity cycling as the first half. In the second half, a cycling intermittent-sprint protocol (CISP) was performed, separated by a 15-minute HT period in cold conditions (5 °C, 50% relative humidity). Two experimental trials were included in a random order: (a) approximately 1 minute of high-intensity, short-duration RW (3 sets of 3-second maximal pedaling [body weight × 0.075 kp]) trial high-intensity intermittent cycling trials (HII); (b) 15 minutes of seated rest trial (CON). Cycling intermittent-sprint protocol consisted of 10 sets of a 2-minute exercise protocol, and each set consisted of 10-second rest, 5-second maximal pedaling (body weight × 0.075 kp), and 105-second active recovery at 50% maximum oxygen uptake (V̇ o2 max). Peak power output of 5-second maximal pedaling during CISP was higher in HII trials than in CON trials (HII: 807 ± 81 W, CON: 791 ± 78 W, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in rectal temperature between trial types ( p > 0.05). These results suggest that high-intensity, short-duration RW may be a useful HT strategy for improving subsequent performance in cold environments.

A 3-min weighted vests re-warmups induce sprint performance enhancements at the start of the second half of a soccer match-play

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of re-warm-up (RWUP) activities consisting of three sets of 15-m sprints with weighted vests on 20-m sprint performance after the break. Methods: Using a randomized, and counterbalanced cross-over design, twenty U15 elite soccer players performed four RWUP trials which consisted of 15-min of passive rest (control: CONT), 3 × 15-m sprint (RW0%), sprinting with a vest-loaded at 5% of body-mass (BM) (RW5%), sprinting with a 10% BM vest (RW10%). The 3-min RWUP protocols started 10-min after the commencement of the 15-min between-halves break and concluded 2-min before its end. During each testing session, the participant's RPE scores, and 20-m sprint performance were registered before the first half, and at the end of the break of the simulated match-play. Results: Significant time effects [F (1.72) = 54.37, d = 1.88, p < 0.001; F (1.72) = 9.07, d = 0.77, p = 0.003], and condition effects [F (3.72) = 11.81, d = 1.53, p < 0.001; F (3.72) = 7.36, d = 1.21, p = 0.003] were observed for RPE scores and 20-m sprint performance, respectively. Significant condition-by-time interactions were found for RPE scores (p < 0.003, d = 0.54), and 20-m sprint performance (p < 0.002, d = 0.70). Contrast analysis showed significantly higher RPE scores (p < 0.001, d = 1.55), and improved 20-m sprint performance (p = 0.0004, d = 1.19) in the RW10% condition compared to all other conditions. Conclusion: Sprinting for 3-min with a 10% body-mass vest resulted in the highest RPE scores and the most substantial enhancements in 20-m sprint performance. Young elite soccer players should incorporate 10% body-mass weighted vests in their re-warm-ups to boost post-break sprint performance.

Cold water immersion of the hand and forearm during half-time improves intermittent exercise performance in the heat

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cold water immersion of the hand and forearm during half-time (HT) on intermittent exercise performance and thermoregulation by imitating intermittent athletic games in the heat. In a randomized crossover design, 11 physically active men performed the first half (first and second block) and second half (third and fourth block) intermittent cycling exercise protocol, which consisted of a 5-s maximal power pedalling (body weight × 0.075 kp) every minute separated by 25-s of unloaded pedalling and rest (30 s) in the heat (33°C, 50% relative humidity). The two-halves were separated by a 15-min HT. During HT, the participants were assigned to the CON (sedentary resting) or COOL (immersion of hands and forearms in cold water at 15-17°C) condition. The mean power output in the second half was significantly greater (third and fourth block: p < 0.05) in the COOL than in the CON condition. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the rectal (0.54 ± 0.17°C, p < 0.001) and mean skin (1.86 ± 0.34°C, p < 0.05) temperatures of the COOL condition during HT. Furthermore, the heart rate (16 ± 7 bpm, p < 0.05) and skin blood flow (40.2 ± 10.5%, p < 0.001) decreased at the end of HT in the COOL condition. In the second half, thermal sensation was more comfortable in the COOL condition (p < 0.001). Cold water immersion of the hand and forearm during HT improved physiological and reduced perceived heat stress. Moreover, it prevented a reduction in intermittent exercise performance in the second half.

Effects of half-time re-warm-up implemented during a simulated match in U14 female basketball players

Re-warm-up activities are recommended in team sports due to loss of muscle temperature during half-time. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a half-time re-warm-up strategy on female basketball players. Ten players U14, separated into two teams of five players, performed either a passive rest condition or repeated sprints (5×14 m) plus 2 min of a shooting wheel (re-warm-up condition), during the half-time break (10 min) of a simulated basketball match, where only the first three quarters were played. The re-warm-up did not elicit significant effects on jump performance and locomotory responses during the match, except for the distance covered at a very light speed, which was significantly higher than in the passive rest condition (1767 ± 206 vs 1529 ± 142 m; p < 0.05). Mean heart rate (74 ± 4 vs 70 ± 5%) and rate of perceived exertion (4.5 ± 1.5 vs 3.1 ± 1.44 a.u.) were higher in the re-warm-up condition during half-time (p < 0.05). In conclusion, performing re-warm-up activities based on sprints could be a valuable strategy to avoid the reduction of sport performance during prolonged breaks, but given the limitations of the study, these relationships need to be further explored in official competitions.

Effects of an experimental short-time high-intensity warm-up on explosive muscle strength performance in soccer players: A pilot study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an experimental short-time warm-up consisting of a small number of intermittent high-intensity sprints on explosive muscle strength performance in soccer players and to identify recovery times after performing the sprints. Furthermore, we evaluated the reliability of a smartphone app in jumping performance.

Methods: Twenty male soccer players were given the following tests: 1) the counter-movement jump (CMJ) test with the Microgate system, 2) the counter-movement jump (CMJ) test with the MyJump smartphone app, and 3) the handgrip strength test. The experimental short-time high-intensity warm-up was carried out 1 week after test administration. The warm-up consisted of three maximum sprints over 60 m with 120 s of recovery between sprints. Then, the tests were administered again: the vertical jump height (VJH) performances (five trials) were measured 90 s after the last sprint; the handgrip strength performances (three trials) were measured 120 s after the last vertical jump test.

Results: The maximum VJH was found in the third trial of the CMJ test, 330 s after the last sprint (p < 0.01), the result closest to the baseline. The lowest VJH was found in the first trial of the CMJ test, 90 s after the last sprint (p < 0.05). Pearson’s analysis between the CMJ test with the Microgate system and the CMJ test with MyJump showed a strong correlation (R = 0.96). Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient showed a substantial concordance (ρc = 0.959) between measures.

Conclusion: This experimental short-time warm-up of high-intensity intermittent sprints appears to be a simple, quick, and efficient activity to accelerate soccer players’ optimal performance.

Effect of High-Intensity, Intermittent, Short-Duration Re-Warming up on Cycling Sprint Performance

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of warming up again during half-time (i.e., re-warm up [RW]) with high-intensity, intermittent, short-duration exercise on cycling sprint performance. Participants (male, n = 10) performed intermittent cycling exercise for 40 min, followed by a 15-min half-time period with either rest only (control trials [CON]) or rest followed by a RW (three intervals of 3 s of maximal-effort cycling and 27 s of rest [HII]), after which participants performed the Cycling Intermittent-Sprint Protocol (CISP) to evaluate their sprint performance (17.0 ± 1.4°C, 44.2 ± 7.0% relative humidity). CISP intervals comprised 10 s rest, 5 s maximal effort cycling, and 105 s active recovery at 50% of the maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max) and were repeated 10 times. All participants performed both trial variations in randomized order. Peak power output of 5-s cycling sprints during the CISP were significantly higher in HII trials than those in CON trials (CON: 813 ± 109 W, HII: 836 ± 118 W, p < 0.05). Oxygen uptake, blood lactate concentration, and the rating of perceived exertion at the beginning of the second half after the RW were significantly higher in HII trials than those in CON trials (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the RW with intermittent, high-intensity, short-duration exercise improved subsequent cycling sprint performance in a thermoneutral environment and may represent a new useful RW strategy.

The Efficacy of Re-Warm-Up Practices during Half-Time: A Systematic Review

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.