Impact of warm-up intensity on simulated team-sport running performance

Ideally, warm-ups optimise performance; however, most warm-ups are prescribed based on trial and error rather than applying an evidence-based approach (Fradkin, Zazryn, & Smoliga, 2010). The most appropriate warm-up strategy for optimal team-sport performance remains elusive. While the impact of warm-up intensity on repeated-sprint performance has been examined (Yaicharoen, Wallman, Bishop, & Morton, 2012), sprinting only constitutes a fraction of the total activity that occurs during a match. Optimising submaximal efforts (e.g. jogging, running) between sprints may impact performance by ensuring correct positioning of players and recovery between sprint efforts. There is little research investigating the impact of warm-up on team-sport running demands. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of warm-up intensity on a self-paced, team-sport simulation on a non-motorised treadmill. (...) Discussion: SEV and HVY warm-ups provided little performance benefit during a self-paced TSS. Despite initial differences in the internal milieu, submaximal and maximal activity profiles were similar between conditions. However, it was determined that an important decrease in average speed and average speed jogging occurred during the 8-20 min time period between the SEV and CON. It is possible participants adopted a pacing strategy during this time-period within the SEV to reduce the increase in Tc. Furthermore, the HVY and SEV reduced repeated-sprint performance as the TSS progressed. These data suggest that apart from the initial sprint, the examined warm-up intensities have a limited or negative impact on team-sport running performance.