Comparative Study of Effects of Neuromuscular Warmup vs Conventional Warmup in Recreational Gym Population

Summary

* Impaired balance or insufficient strength may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among recreational enthusiasts. Warm-up protocols are an essential component of exercise preparation, aiming to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury among physically active individuals.
* Neuromuscular warm-up protocols are designed to stimulate the sensorimotor system by integrating balance, coordination, strength, and proprioceptive exercises. These protocols enhance neuromuscular control, joint stability, and muscle activation, which are critical for dynamic movements performed during gym-based training and functional activities.
* Similarly, Conventional warm-up protocols consist of light aerobic activity and static or dynamic stretching. These protocols enhance blood flow and muscle flexibility.
* Dynamic balance refers to the ability to maintain postural control while performing movement tasks and is a key determinant of athletic performance and injury prevention.
* Strength is an essential component for functional performance and is commonly assessed through Counter jump movement tests.
* This study aims to compare the effects of a neuromuscular warm-up versus a conventional warm-up on dynamic balance and strength among recreational gym enthusiasts. The findings may help create a more effective warm-up strategy for improving performance in recreational enthusiasts.

Conditions

• Healthy Participants
• Gym Population is Being Studied to Enhance Their Balance and Strength for Better Injury Prevention

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

NM Warm-up

The neuromuscular warm-up was performed four times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 10 to12 minutes at light to moderate intensity. The intervention consisted of single-leg balance exercises with reach tasks, bosu mini squats with controlled tempo, core stabilization exercises such as front and side planks, and agility-based movements including lateral shuffles and hops. Exercise difficulty was progressively increased by altering base of support, movement speed, and task complexity. The sequence was designed to improve motor control, balance reactions, and force production before the main workout. Dynamic balance and strength outcomes were assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention.

BEHAVIORAL

Conventional Warm-up

Participants in the control group completed the conventional warm-up four times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting about 10 to 12 minutes. The warm-up began with light aerobic activity, such as treadmill jogging or stationary cycling, to gently raise heart rate and body temperature. This was followed by dynamic mobility and stretching exercises, including leg swings, arm circles, hip rotations, , body-weight squats, and dynamic stretches for the hamstrings and calves also of upper body dynamic stretches . Overall, the conventional warm-up aimed to prepare the muscles and joints for exercise but did not specifically target neuromuscular activation, balance, or movement control.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Shoaib Waqas, Phd · Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

• Muhammad Ibrahim, DPT · Lahore College of Physical Therapy

• Muhammad Zoraiz Khan, DPT · Lahore College of Physical Therapy

• Dua Ali Memon, DPT · Lahore College of Physical Therapy

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

40 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-12-25

Primary Completion

2026-06-15

Completion

2026-06-15

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations