| FROM KNOWLEDGE TO ACTION: IMPACT OF DIVERSE WARM-UP PROTOCOLS ON MULTIDIMENSIONAL FATIGUE INDICES IN U-15 YOUTH SOCCER |
| Paper ID : 1484-SPORTCONGRESS (R1) |
| Authors |
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Hamzeh Zarei *1, Khosro Jalali Dehkordi1, Farzaneh Taghian1, Filipe Manuel Clemente2 1Department of Sport Physiology, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran. 2Department of Biomechanics, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdańsk, Poland |
| Abstract |
| Abstract Introduction: Fatigue in youth soccer is a multifactorial phenomenon affecting biochemical, perceptual, and functional dimensions of performance. Efficient warm-up strategies can help mitigate early fatigue and maintain match readiness. This study compared the effects of six distinct warm-up protocols on four validated fatigue indices in U-15 male soccer players throughout an 8-week program.. Methods: Seventy-two players (mean age = 14.34 ± 0.19 years) were randomly allocated to six groups: Dynamic Warm-up (DWU), Analytical Warm-up (AWU), Combined Dynamic + Analytical (ADWU), Small-Sided Game Warm-up (SSGWU), Integrated Warm-up (IWU), and Combined SSG + Integrated (SIWU). Fatigue markers included lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; biochemical), session-rated perceived exertion (sRPE; perceptual), fatigue index (FI) from RAST anaerobic sprint test, and FI from lateral hop left/right tests. Assessments occurred pre-intervention (pre-test) and post-intervention (post test). Data normality was confirmed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and a repeated measures MANOVA revealed significant effects of time, group, and the interaction between time and group.. Results: A strong time effect was observed (Wilks’ λ = 0.004, p < 0.001, η² = 0.996) with significant reductions across all fatigue indices. The time×group interaction was also significant (p < 0.001, η² = 0.688), indicating protocol-specific improvements. LDH decreased in all groups without significant inter-group differences, while sRPE and FI from hop tests showed the greatest improvement in SSGWU and SIWU groups. ADWU yielded superior RAST-FI outcomes, reflecting enhanced anaerobic stability. Conclusion: Incorporating game-based and integrated elements into warm-up routines appears particularly effective for reducing multidimensional fatigue in youth soccer. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring warm-up protocols to target both physiological and perceptual aspects of fatigue, thereby optimizing performance capacity. |
| Keywords |
| Soccer, Warm-up Exercise, Fatigue, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Physical Exertion, Adolescent |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation) |
