Author(s): VARHAN, B., GUNDAY, C., BAYKAN, Y.S., SOLAK, S., ALIYI, D., KARACIMEN, S., Institution: ISTINYE UNIVERSITY, Country: TURKEY, Abstract-ID: 1800

INTRODUCTION:
The warm-up period is a common pre-exercise routine performed to transition from a resting state to the necessary preparation for a sports competition, increase performance and reduce the risk of injury. The traditional warm-up routine typically includes a short period of low-intensity aerobic exercise, followed by stretching and sport-specific exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a dynamic innovative warm-up program applied to amateur soccer players on physical fitness parameters such as muscle strength, cardiopulmonary and muscular endurance, agility, balance and flexibility.
METHODS:
21 athletes (mean age; 22.65±1.18) and 21 sedentary individuals (mean age; 21.85±17) were included in the study. Muscle strength by hand-held myometer, vertical jump test and triple jump test; endurance levels with cooper 12 minute running test, lateral bridge test and sorenson test; agility with shuttle running test and square test; their balance was evaluated with the star balance test and their flexibility with the sit and reach test, trunk extension test and trunk flexion test. After the first evaluation, the athletes were taught the pre-training warm-up program and were asked to apply it 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The control group, consisting of healthy sedentary men, was asked to continue their normal lives. Assessments were repeated at the end of 8 weeks. The warm-up program consisted of foam rollers, dynamic stretching and elastic band traction applications.
RESULTS:
The groups were homogeneous. A significant difference was found both within and between groups in the athletes in quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscle strength (bilateral), bilateral triple jump, Cooper running test, Sorenson test, shuttle running test, square test and sit and reach tests (p<0.01). There was no change in the control group.
CONCLUSION:
This newly created warm-up program, focusing on dynamic stretching and flexibility, made positive contributions to the muscle strength, flexibility and performance of the athletes. In the light of these findings, the importance of warm-up protocols before training has been revealed and also warm-up sessions prevent injury it is recommended that similar studies be conducted in other sports branches.