Effects of specific warm-up in rugby players’ performance: an acute study

Aim: Sports science usually distinguishes between general warm-up, where large muscle groups are used with cyclical gestures (e.g. running), and the specific warm-up, characterized by movements similar to those carried out during the match, (1) with neuromuscular and/or cardiovascular activation equal to about 80-85% of the maximum motor capacity (2). The immediate effects of general W-up are: an increase in temperature of about 2°C, and an improvement in joint mobility and Muscle Tendon Flexibility (MTF) with a consequent decrease in the risk of muscle injury. In rugby, in relation to travelling to away matches and other logistical or meteorological difficulties, the protocol of specific warm-ups is often modified. This has led some coaches to question whether, as a result of such modifications, a decline in the physical abilities of the athletes is possible. The aim of this study was to evaluate if there are the changes in the athletes’ sprinting speed (over 10, 20 and 40 m), the flexibility of the spine, and their explosive and explosive-elastic strength after two different specific warm-up protocols (A,B). Methods: A group of 15 male athletes was studied (age 20±6 years, weight 89±19 kg, height 180±9 cm, BMI 27±5 kg/cm², they had been rugby players for 6±3 years at a national level). Athletes performed after a warm-up the following tests in the same order: Squat Jump (SJ) and Countermovement Jump (CMJ); Sit and Reach for the measurement of flexibility; speed tests at 10, 20 and 40 m. Warm-Up A, commonly used by athletes, is characterized by three sets of running over a distance of 40 meters with a progressive achievement of maximum speed and a minute of recovery between sets. Warm-Up B is characterized by two sets of shuttle runs with a minute of rest between them over distances of 5, 10 and 15 meters to the maximum sustainable speed. To avoid biased results between the conditions of Warm up A and Warm up B the counter balance design was used. Results: No statistically significant variation (Wilcoxon test) was observed: flexibility (ns, +2%); SJ (ns, 0%); CMJ (ns, 0%); speed on 10 m (ns, +2%), 20 m (ns +1%), 40 m (ns, +1%). Conclusion: The results suggest a hypothesis that in athletes practicing rugby at national level, who have been training for at least 3 years, acute changes in the specific warm-up protocol do not create a decrease in athletic performance. References 1. Weineck J, L’allenamento ottimale, Calzetti- Mariucci, Ponte San Giovanni (Pg) 2009: 547-549 2. Platonov V, Allenamento sportivo: teoria e metodologia, Calzetti- Mariucci, Ponte San Giovanni (Pg) 1996: 64; 141-142