Effects of warm-up duration on acute physical performance in highly trained male futsal players

Warm-up is a traditional pre-match routine that aims to enhance players’ readiness to subsequent activity. Manipulating the warm-up structure may be important to enhance acute performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different warm-up durations on futsal players’ physical performance. Twelve highly trained male futsal players participated in this study during the in-season. All players performed three different warm-up protocols on consecutive days that differed on its total duration: normal (28-minute), short (15-minute) and very short (10-minute). All protocols included the same exercises, performed in the same sequence and with equal time percentage. Testing included 5 and 10 m linear sprint, 505 change of direction, countermovement jump (CMJ) and reactive strength index (RSI) and was performed in three different moments: pre warm-up, post warm-up and post10’ warm-up. CMJ and RSI improved in all protocols at post warm-up, with greater effects observed after very short protocol. However, no effects were observed at post10’ for vertical jump after all protocols. Sprint was improved in post warm-up after short and very short warm-up. Normal warm-up promoted positive effects in sprint at post10’. None of the protocols promoted positive effects in COD at post10’. Very short warm-ups appear to positively influence jumping and running performances, although these effects may be attenuated over time. Normal warm-ups could be valid for maintaining readiness during longer inactive periods that may characterize pre-match routines. Also, different responses may emerge from the same warm-up structure, which reinforces the need of adjusting warm-up according to players’ individual profiles.