Effects of a sprint and plyometric warm-up protocol on vertical jump height and power in adolescent female volleyball players. A randomized crossover study

The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effects of a plyometric warm-up protocol (PWU) and a sprint warm-up protocol (SWU) on jumping performance in female volleyball players aged 14-16 years. Through a cross-over experimental design, 18 female players were randomly divided into two groups, each receiving both warm-up protocols (PWU and SWU). Before and after each protocol, height and jumping power were evaluated in squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and Abalakov (ABK) tests using the DM jump (R) contact mat. Both warm-up protocols significantly improved SJ, CMJ, and ABK performance (p <.05), although mainly for jump height. The comparison between both warm-up protocols in the post-test showed no significant differences (p >.05), although the greatest percentage increase in jump height and power was obtained with the SWU. The ANOVA showed significant differences in group 1 (initially assigned to PWU) for all tests except for CMJ and ABK power. In group 2 (initially assigned to SWU), the ANOVA also showed significant differences, except for SJ and CMJ power. It is concluded that both warmup protocols improve jump height and power; however, SWU shows a more favorable trend than PWU. From a practical perspective, the preliminary findings of this pilot study can provide useful guidelines for the warm-up process; however, further randomized controlled studies with adequate statistical power are required for more robust conclusions.