Effect of conventional warm-up versus stretching warm-up on physical performance in children soccer players: a randomized crossover trial

Introduction: To evaluate the effects of the conventional warm-up (CC) compared to warm-ups that included static (SSC), dynamic (DSC), or ballistic (BSC) stretching on jump performance (CMJ, SJ, DJ), curve sprint speed, agility (ICODT), and ball kicking speed in male children soccer players. Methods: Eighteen male soccer players (mean age: 11.2 ± 2.4 years) experiencing four warm-up conditions: CC, SSC, DSC, and BSC. They were performed in a random sequence with a 72-hour recovery period in between. After each warm-up, physical performance was measured through the CMJ, SJ, DJ, curved sprint speed, ICODT, and ball kicking speed. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the ICODT for SSC and DSC compared to CC (p < 0.001). In the CC and SSC conditions, better performance was obtained in curved sprint speed (p = 0.003) compared to DSC, in ball kicking speed with the dominant foot for all stretching conditions (SSC, DSC, and BSC) compared to CC (p < 0.001), and in ball kicking speed with the non-dominant foot for DSC and BSC compared to CC (p = 0.002). Discussion: In conclusion, that warm-ups incorporating SSC and DSC enhance ICODT in children's soccer players, while all stretching modalities improve ball kicking speed with the dominant foot compared to a CC. For curve sprint speed, the CC and SSC were more effective than DSC.