Acute Effects of Different Warm-Up Protocols in Competitive Young Swimmers

Summary

Several warm-up strategies are commonly employed by athletes to optimize athletic performance and minimize the risk of injury. Recently, Post-Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) has been demonstrated to be effective in improving athletic performance. Nevertheless, the difference with the general warm-up is still unclear and poorly studied. Conventionally, short-term performance improvements achieved after brief periods of maximal activity have been attributed to PAP, a muscle memory mechanism that generates involuntary and short-lived effects (\~28 seconds). This condition appears to be activated only by a history of localized maximal contractions. In the literature, various conditioning protocols with differing durations and intensities have been explored, often finding conflicting results in terms of athletic performance. In swimming, few PAPE warm-up protocols outside the pool have been studied, despite their potential usefulness considering the waiting times before competitions.

Therefore, this study explores the effects of three different warm-up protocols in young swimmers. Specifically, different exercise protocols will be included in the athletes' usual warm-up routine, aimed at improving athletic performance through PAPE effects. In line with existing literature, the performance parameters examined are the countermovement jump (CMJ) and the times recorded for covering race distances ( 25 m, 50 m, 100 m). In addition, skin temperature, heart rate (HR), muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), and perceived exertion (RPE) are also measured after the protocols to investigate possible relationships with performance measures. Nevertheless, the primary aim of this study is to compare different warm-up protocols in young swimmers to maximize their athletic performance.

Conditions

• Athletes
• Post Activation Potentiation
• Countermovement Jump
• Performance
• Warm-up

Interventions

OTHER

Squats with resistance band

The elastic band squat protocol consisted of four sets of four repetitions with two minutes of recovery between sets (estimated total time: 9 minutes). Participants in a standing position should take one of the four elastic resistance bands (GymBeam), anchor it under their feet, and under each shoulder.

OTHER

Vertical jump after dropping from a box

A box for plyometric training (Yes4All) will be used in its 45 cm height section. The protocol consists of three sets of four repetitions. Fifteen seconds of recovery time will be allowed to reposition above the box, and three minutes of recovery time between sets (estimated total time: 10 minutes). Participants will be encouraged to reach maximum height with each jump, without bending their knees during the flight phase.

OTHER

Combination BS + DJ

A combination of squats with an elastic band and vertical plyometric jump after dropping from a box. The protocols are the same as those described in the other interventions (total estimated time: 19 minutes).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Palermo

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

11 Years

Max Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-12-02

Primary Completion

2026-01-31

Completion

2026-02-28

Countries

• Italy

Study Locations