The Effect of Different Types of Warm-Up Protocols on the Range of Motion and on Motor Abilities of Rhythmic Gymnastics Athletes and Ballet Dancers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the short-term effects of different types of warming up on the range of motion and on motor abilities of rhythmic gymnasts and ballet athletes. Twenty-five athletes participated in this study (11 ballet dancers and 14 rhythmic gymnasts), aged 14,72±1,43. All participants followed an intervention consisting of two warm-up protocols, one with static stretching exercises and the other with dynamic warm up protocol. The two protocols were implemented on two different days for one week. Range of motion (ROM) and hop test measurements were carried out before and after each warm-up session. For the statistical analysis, non-parametric (Wilcoxon) tests and Friedman test were used, and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The results showed that both warm-ups had positive effects on ROM and on motor abilities. After applying both protocols, significant differences were observed in all joints. In conclusion, both types of warm-up routines resulted in almost the same level of improvement in ROM and motor abilities; however, it was observed that after the dynamic warm up there was a slightly increased improvement in motor abilities, but it was not statistically significant.