Effect of Warm-up on Fitness Performance of Schoolchildren. A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction. The impact of different types of warm-up protocol on children’s performance is clearly an unresolved issue that has not yet been satisfactorily investigated. Consequently, the purpose of this review was to analyze the current literature on the subject. Material and Methods. The first step was to perform a search in PROSPERO with the keyword warm up. After that, five electronic bibliographic databases were searched through until April 10th, 2021: Web of Science (all databases), Scopus, SportDiscus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Results. Six studies involving a total of 138 participants were included in the final analyses. Regarding the physical qualities that were assessed, 4 of the studies assessed strength through the vertical jump, 3 assessed running speed, one assessed anaerobic endurance (30 seconds) with a cycle ergometer and another assessed flexibility using the Sit & Reach. Conclusions. The practice of dynamic or specific warm-up before training appears to improve speed and strength performance compared to no warm-up in school-age children. However, the effects of warm-up on endurance and flexibility performance in school-age children need to be further investigated.

Integrated neuromuscular training intervention applied in schools induces a higher increase in salivary high molecular weight adiponectin and a more favorable body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in children as compared to the traditional physical education classes

“…During the introductory segment of the PE classes, the control group followed the traditional warm-up consisted of activities designed to prepare the cardiovascular system for the up-coming effort during the class and exercises that increased the range of motion of the particular joints and parts of the body which would be predominantly engaged during the main segment of the PE class ( 29 ). On the other hand, the INT group received the INT as a warm-up activity for 3 months.…”

Effects of Stretching during Warm-Up on Motor Performance: a Protocol for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis

“…It is also noted that warming up seems to have a positive effect on performance and injury reduction (Chaouachi et al, 2010;Gelen, 2011). For all these reasons, its practice is recommended before any training or Physical Education session (Fernández-Agulló & Merino-Marban, 2022).…”