Integrated and small-sided games warm-up protocols significantly improved resting, max, average HR, HR variability, and reduced perceived exertion in U-15 soccer players (P<0.001).
Do different warm-up protocols improve heart rate parameters, heart rate variability, and exertion levels in U-15 male soccer players?
Integrated and small-sided games warm-up protocols provide superior cardiovascular optimization and reduced perceived exertion in youth soccer players compared to traditional dynamic or analytical warm-ups.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
Background: Warm-up protocols play a crucial role in optimizing athletic performance and cardiovascular readiness in youth soccer players. This study aimed to compare the effects of six warm-up strategies on heart rate (HR) parameters and exertion levels in under-15 (U-15) soccer athletes. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two male participants were randomly (concealed participant allocation) assigned to six groups: Dynamic Warm-up (DWU), Analytical Warm-up (AWU), Analytical + Dynamic Warm-up (ADWU), Small-Sided Games Warm-up (SSGWU), Integrated Warm-up (IWU), and Small-Sided Games + Integrated Warm-up (SIWU). This randomized parallel study lasted 8 weeks, with pre- and post-tests measuring resting HR, maximal HR (MHR), average HR (AHR), RR intervals, HR variability (HRV), session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), and HR zone distributions. Results: Significant improvements ( P < 0.001) were observed in resting, maximum, and average heart rates, RR intervals, HRV, and session RPE in most groups, especially DWU, SSGWU, and SIWU, indicating better cardiovascular function and reduced exertion. HR zone analysis showed significant shifts in all zones for IWU and SIWU ( P < 0.001). Mixed repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant between-group differences in post-test values for maximum HR, RR intervals, HRV, and sRPE change scores ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the differential impact of warm-up protocols on cardiovascular outcomes and perceived exertion. Integrated and small-sided games warm-ups showed superior benefits, suggesting their incorporation into youth soccer training could optimize physiological preparedness and performance.
Zarei¹ et al. (Sun,) reported a other. Integrated and small-sided games warm-up protocols significantly improved resting, max, average HR, HR variability, and reduced perceived exertion in U-15 soccer players (P<0.001).