Effects of Warming-up on Physical Performance: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

Abstract

The value of warming-up is a worthy research problem because it is not known whether warming-up benefits, harms, or has no effect on individuals. The purpose of this study was to review the evidence relating to performance improvement using a warm-up. A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken. Relevant studies were identified by searching Medline, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed (1966-April 2008). Studies investigating the effects of warming-up on performance improvement in physical activities were included. Studies were included only if the subjects were human and only if the warm-up included activities other than stretching. The quality of included studies was assessed independently by 2 assessors using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Thirty-two studies, all of high quality (6.5-9 [mean = 7.6] of 10) reported sufficient data (quality score >6) on the effects of warming-up on performance improvement. Warm-up was shown to improve performance in 79% of the criterions examined. This analysis has shown that performance improvements can be demonstrated after completion of adequate warm-up activities, and there is little evidence to suggest that warming-up is detrimental to sports participants. Because there were few well-conducted, randomized, controlled trials undertaken, more of these are needed to further determine the role of warming-up in relation to performance improvement.

Ballistic stretch or aerobic warm-up evoke postexercise hypotension after maximal exercise

“…Warm-up is generally performed previously to exercise to increase performance, however the literature has shown in most studies that warm-up does not change 1,2 . We have previously shown that warm-up did not influence performance on different exercise protocols 14.15 .…”

“…Warm-up is defined as a "protocol specifically undertaken to prepare for the onset of subsequent physical activity", however the effect of different methods of warm-up are unclear 1 , and coaches often base their warmup sessions on empiric observations rather than scientific studies 2 . The most commonly used warm-ups in sports are composed of low intensity aerobic activity, muscle stretching and sport-specific movements 2 .…”

“…The most commonly used warm-ups in sports are composed of low intensity aerobic activity, muscle stretching and sport-specific movements 2 . Muscle stretching is a practice undertaken to increase flexibility which may be performed in several ways, of which the most common are static and ballistic stretching 3 .…”

“…Additionally, few studies have evaluated warm-up separately from muscle stretching 2 . Static stretching reduces strength [7][8][9][10][11] , which raise concerns to its use prior to physical activity.…”

Evaluation of a Stretching Program to Increase Worker Flexibility

“…by Kris Smith, OTR-L S tretching has long been advocated by physical and occupational therapists as a way to improve flexibility and decrease risk of injury to shoulders, back, hips, and knees (Fradkin, Zazryn, & Smoliga, 2010). Tight muscles have been linked to back pain and shoulder injury by affecting the viscoelastic changes in the muscle-tendon unit (da Costa & Vieira, 2008).…”