The Effects of Different Warm-Up Protocols on Vertical Jump Height in Elite and Sub-Elite Women Volleyball Players

Abstract

Background. Volleyball warm-up protocols can lead to improvements in vertical jump performance. Objectives. This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of short-term high-intensity and traditional warm-up protocols on vertical jump height in elite and sub-elite women volleyball players. Methods. Thirty healthy volleyball players (aged 26.53±3.72 years; elite group n=14; sub-elite group n=16) performed a short-term high-intensity warm-up protocol (27 min) and a traditional warm-up protocol (45 min) over three days at 48-hour intervals. After each protocol, the vertical jump height was evaluated using the VERT wearable jump device. The ANOVA test for repeated measurements revealed a significant difference, and a Bonferroni post-hoc test was used. Results. In all groups, vertical jump height was significantly changed and increased from the short-term high-intensity warm-up protocol compared to the traditional warm-up protocol (Diff=-3.103; 95% CI=-4.118 to -2.088; d=0.81; p<0.001; ηp2=0.762) and the without warm-up (Diff=-4.973; 95% CI=-6.153 to -3.793; d=1.36; p<0.001). In the elite group, vertical jump height was significantly changed and increased from the short-term high-intensity warm-up protocol compared to the traditional warm-up protocol (Diff=3.943; 95% CI=1.962 to 5.924; d=1.24; p<0.001; ηp2=0.818) and the without warm-up (Diff=-6.543; 95% CI=-8.609 to -4.476; d=2.13; p<0.001). Similarly, in the sub-elite group, vertical jump height was also significantly changed and increased from the short-term high-intensity warm-up protocol compared to the traditional warm-up protocol (Diff=1.231; 95% CI=-0.717 to -1.746; d=0.68; p<0.001; ηp2=0.856) and the without warm-up (Diff=-3.600; 95% CI=-4.375 to -2.825; d=1.04; p<0.001). Conclusion. In conclusion, the results revealed that, in practical terms, the short-term high-intensity warm-up protocol is the best to improve vertical jump performance in women volleyball players immediately. Robust conclusions, however, need randomized controlled trials with sufficient statistical power.