The effect of two warm-up protocols on some biomechanical parameters of the neuromuscular system of middle distance runners.

Full Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 2 different warm-up protocols on the neuromuscular system of well-trained middle distance runners. Seven runners performed 2 different warm-up protocols, one of which included slow running, stretching, and bounding and sprinting exercises, while the other consisted of slow running and stretching only. Before and after warm-up, contractile properties of the vastus lateralis and quadriceps femoris were monitored with a single twitch test, maximal torque, and the level of muscle activation during maximal voluntary extension. The 2 types of warm-up protocols showed statistically significant differences in the increase of peak knee extension torque and muscle activation level. After warm-up 1 maximal twitch torque was increased and twitch contraction time (CT) was shortened. Both maximal torque and the level of activation were increased. Parameter changes after warm-up 2 were similar to those after warm-up 1 but not statistically significant. Sprinting and bounding as part of athletes' warm-up improve muscle activation.

Author information

Author/s: Skof, Branko (B); Strojnik, Vojko (V);

Affiliation: Laboratory of Biomechanics, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport, Ljubljana, Slovenia. branko.skof(-atsign-)sp.uni-lj.si

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of strength and conditioning research / National Strength & Conditioning Association (J Strength Cond Res), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-May; vol 21 (issue 2) : pp 394-9

Dates: Created 2007/05/28; Completed 2007/07/31;

PMID: 17530940, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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