Acute Effects of FIFA 11+ and RAMP Warm-up Protocols on Speed and Agility Performance in Soccer Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of different warm-up protocols on speed and agility performance in soccer players. İn this study, 15 trained volunteer male soccer players (mean age: 24.53 years; mean height: 177.6 cm; mean body weight: 73.66 kg; mean body mass index (BMİ): 23.36 kg/m2; mean age at sport: 12.13 years) participated. Two different warm-up protocols including RAMP warm-up protocol and FIFA 11+ neuromuscular warm-up protocols were applied to the research group 48 hours apart before training. İmmediately after the warm-up protocols, a perceived difficulty scale, a sensation scale and a physical activity enjoyment scale were administered. Passive rests of 3 minutes were given between test repetitions and 10 m acceleration, 20 m sprint test and Tagility test measurements were performed. Data were checked for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Comparison between groups was also analyzed by dependent sample t-test. Statistical analysis and interpretations of the data were considered significant at p<0.05 significance level. When the test results were compared, it was found that FIFA 11+ neuromuscular warm-up protocol had a positive effect on sprint performance (p<0.05). Since FIFA 11+ neuromuscular warm-up exercises include strength exercises, especially the Nordic hamstring curl exercise, which activates the thigh muscle group, it is thought that such a situation contributes to the speed development of athletes. Accordingly, it is recommended to apply the FIFA 11+ neuromuscular warm-up protocol in training and pre-competition warm-up programs to improve speed performance.