Warm-Up Effects on Adolescent Goalkeepers' Performance

Uşak University15 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to examine the acute effects of different warm-up protocols on performance outcomes in adolescent male football goalkeepers. Specifically, it investigates the impact of aerobic running, static stretching, dynamic stretching, and movement preparation on flexibility, explosive power, and dynamic balance.

This randomized crossover study examined the acute effects of four 15-minute warm-up protocols-Aerobic Running (AR), Static Stretching (SS), Dynamic Stretching (DS), and Movement Preparation (MP)-on flexibility, explosive lower-limb power, and dynamic balance in 15 adolescent male football goalkeepers. Participants were licensed youth goalkeepers with consistent sleep, diet, and training routines. Warm-up order was randomized and both participants and administrators were blinded to the condition. Flexibility, power, and balance were assessed using the sit-and-reach test, standing long jump, and Y Balance Test, respectively, with the best of three trials recorded. Heart rate was monitored to maintain internal load at 60-75% of age-predicted maximum. All sessions were supervised by a certified sports scientist, and anthropometric data were collected prior to testing. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Healhty Adolescent Football Warm-up

Interventions

Intervention 1: Aerobic Running (AR) Warm-UpBEHAVIORAL

15-minute aerobic running protocol. Heart rate maintained at 60-75% of age-predicted maximum (HRₘₐₓ). Includes 7 minutes light jogging followed by slight intensity increase.

Intervention 2: Static Stretching (SS) Warm-UpBEHAVIORAL

5 minutes light jogging followed by static stretches of six lower-limb muscles (gastrocnemius, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, adductors, gluteals). Each muscle stretched twice for 30 seconds, finishing with 3-4 minutes of light dynamic movements.

Intervention 3: Dynamic Stretching (DS) Warm-UpBEHAVIORAL

5 minutes light jogging followed by dynamic stretches targeting the same six muscle groups over 10-15 meters with brief rest between repetitions.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 14 YearsMax age: 15 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Biologically male football goalkeepers * Aged 14-15 years * Actively competing in youth leagues * Minimum training experience of approximately 3-4 years * Free from chronic diseases or musculoskeletal injuries that could affect physical performance * Maintain regular sleep and dietary routines during the study period Exclusion Criteria: * Current injuries * Chronic health conditions * Any physical limitations that could interfere with safe participation in warm-up protocols or performance testing

Locations (1)

Uşak University

Uşak, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Flexibility (Sit and Reach)

Flexibility of the posterior chain was assessed using the sit-and-reach test with a standardized measurement box. Participants performed three trials barefoot with knees fully extended, and the best score was recorded in centimeters.

Time frame: Immediately post-intervention, after each warm-up session (4 sessions, separated by at least 48 hours).

Explosive Lower-Limb Power (Standing Long Jump)

Explosive horizontal power was measured by the standing long jump test. From a standing position, participants jumped bilaterally as far as possible. The distance was measured to the nearest cm from the starting line to the rearmost heel. Three maximal trials were performed with 2 minutes rest, and the best score was used.

Time frame: Immediately post-intervention, after each warm-up session (4 sessions, separated by at least 48 hours).

Dynamic Balance (Y Balance Test normalized composite score)

Dynamic postural control was assessed using the Y Balance Test. Reach distances in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions were normalized to leg length. A composite score (mean of three directions) was calculated and used for analysis.

Time frame: Immediately post-intervention, after each warm-up session (4 sessions, separated by at least 48 hours).

Secondary Outcomes

Anthropometric Parameters (Height, Weight, BMI)

Body height (cm), body weight (kg), and BMI (kg/m²) measured with stadiometer and electronic scale prior to warm-up interventions.

Time frame: Baseline (Day 1, prior to the first warm-up intervention session)

Internal Load (Heart Rate Monitoring)

Heart rate continuously monitored with Polar RS300X. Intensity calibrated to maintain 60-75% of age-predicted HRmax, calculated individually using Tanaka formula \[208 - (0.7 × age)\].

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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