Methodological approach for determining optimal active warm-up intensity: predictive equations

Purpose: To provide predictive models for determining optimal active warm-up (WU) intensity and its effects on subsequent performance. Methods: Two experiments were conducted in two countries. In both, the methodological approach was based on a free field warm-up (FWU) with duration, intensity, and intermediary pause, self-selected by the athletes. The FWU was subsequently replicated in the laboratory and referred to as the reference warm-up (RWU). Two other warm-up intensities were designed from RWU by increasing RWU intensity by 10% (RWU + 10%) and decreasing RWU intensity by 10% (RWU - 10%). Their effects were assessed on time limit (Tlim) of maximal cycling. Nine athletes participated in the first experiment and 20 in the second. Results: RWU located at 62 ± 10% maximal power (Pmax) was found to be optimal and induced an oxygen uptake corresponding to 75.6 ± 10.4% over(V, ̇)O2max and a heart rate (HR) of 78 ± 7% HRmax. Performance was related to warm-up intensity by two linear regressions and as follows:fenced((y (Tlim (s)) = 1.8 x + 324.8 when x ≤ 62 ± 10 % Pmax; y (Tlim (s)) = - 14.9 x + 1364 when x ≥ 62 ± 10 % Pmax)). Conclusion: It is possible to use predictive mathematical models for determining the effects of active WU on subsequent performance. © 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.