Running versus strength-based warm-up: acute effects on isometric knee extension function.
This study investigated the influence of two warm-up protocols on neural and contractile parameters of knee extensors. A series of neuromuscular tests including voluntary and electrically evoked contractions were performed before and after running- (R(WU); slow running, athletic drills, and sprints) and strength-based (S(WU); bilateral 90 degrees back squats, Olympic lifting movements and reactivity exercises) warm ups (duration approximately 40 min) in ten-trained subjects. The estimated overall mechanical work was comparable between protocols. Maximal voluntary contraction torque (+15.6%; P < 0.01 and +10.9%; P < 0.05) and muscle activation (+10.9 and +12.9%; P < 0.05) increased to the same extent after R(WU) and S(WU), respectively. Both protocols caused a significant shortening of time to contract (-12.8 and -11.8% after R(WU) and S(WU); P < 0.05), while the other twitch parameters did not change significantly. Running- and strength-based warm ups induce similar increase in knee extensors force-generating capacity by improving the muscle activation. Both protocols have similar effects on M-wave and isometric twitch characteristics.
Research and Education Centre, ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, PO Box 29222, Doha, Qatar. oliv.girard@gmail.com
Olivier
O
Girard
Yvan
Y
Carbonnel
Robin
R
Candau
Grégoire
G
Millet
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult