Comparative analysis of warm-up methods on jump performance: A study of Saudi university volleyball athletes

ABSTRACT Context: Warm-up protocols significantly impact athletic performance, yet research on their effectiveness for female volleyball players in Saudi Arabia remains limited. Aims: To investigate the effects of static and dynamic warm-up protocols on vertical jump performance among female volleyball players at Taif University, Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: The study utilized a 6-week randomized controlled intervention design with 48 female volleyball players randomized into three intervention groups: dynamic warm-up, static stretching, and control (16 participants per group). Subjects and Methods: Participants (age: 21.3 ± 0.7 years; height: 156.4 ± 5.0 cm; and weight: 51.8 ± 6.6 kg) were amateur (collegiate level) players with 2–3 years of competitive experience in university tournaments. Testing included sit and reach, vertical jump, horizontal jump, and modified agility t-tests. The dynamic group performed progressive multiplanar exercises; the static group completed systematic stretches; and the control group followed basic warm-up sequence. Performance metrics were assessed pre- and postintervention. Statistical Analysis Used: Mixed-design ANOVA with repeated measures analyzed differences between groups and time points. Bonferroni post hoc tests were conducted to determine significant interactions. Effect sizes were calculated using partial eta-squared (η 2 p). Results: The dynamic group showed significant improvements in flexibility (+11.9%) and jumping performance (vertical: +3.5% and horizontal: +4.2%). The static group demonstrated superior agility improvements (-14.5% in half t-test). All changes were statistically significant ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: Dynamic warm-up protocols proved most effective for enhancing jumping performance and flexibility, while static stretching showed superior results for agility improvement. These findings provide evidence-based guidelines for volleyball training in Saudi Arabian institutional settings.