Combined active and passive warm-ups as a technique to increase the number of deep squat repetitions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if the combination of active (exercise) and passive warm-up (thermal blanket) generates an increase in the number of deep squat repetitions compared to only active warm-up. Ten physically active and apparently healthy subjects (26.2 ± 5.9 years of age) were recruited for the study. Four sessions, with three-days intervals were performed. In the first session the maximum weight in deep squat was estimated (Brzycki’s formula), the second, third and fourth sessionsperformed the greatest number of deep squat repetitions with 85% maximum repetition (to exhaustion or even losing the technique). Before each condition, subjects were randomly assigned to one of three different conditions: active warm-up (CAct) traditional warm-up plus five minutes sitting, active warm-up plus placebo (CAct+P) traditional warm-up plus five minutes sitting with thermal blanket placed on the legs and combined warm-up (CCom) traditional warm-up plus five minutes with a thermal blanket placed on the legs. No differences (p >0.05) were found between CAct (8.6 ± 1.8 reps) and CAct+P (8.7 ± 1.6 reps) conditions in the number of squats performed. However, the CCom condition (11.1 ± 2.0 reps; p = 0.001; d = -2.107) was more effective compared to CAct (8.6 ± 1.8 reps) and CAct+P (8.7 ± 1.6 reps). A combination of active and passive heating (thermal blanket), increases the number of repetitions of deep squats in physically active young people.