Evaluating the impact of a 3-min moderate-intensity re-warm-up protocol on basketball player performance

Abstract

Problem Statement: Despite the importance of warm-up routines in optimizing athletic performance, periods of passive rest during basketball games often lead to decreased physical capabilities among players. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether a 3-min cycling Re-Warm Up (RWU) protocol of moderate intensity (40% of VO2max) could mitigate the adverse effects of passive rest on the physical abilities of substitute basketball players. Methods: Following a structured basketball warm-up (WU), 13 semi-professional basketball players completed two trials on consecutive days in random order: (a) 15-min of passive rest (CON) or b) 11-min of passive rest, followed by 3-min of cycling at 40% VO2max and 1-min of rest (RWU40). Results: Heart rate (HR), body temperature (BT), countermovement jump (CMJ), modified agility t-test (MAT) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured post-WU and post-RWU. Participants exhibited significant reductions in HR (-24.51%, p < .001), BT (-1.48%, p < .001), CMJ (-5.1%, p < .001) and MAT (-3.13%, p = .030) following 15 minutes of passive rest (CON) compared to post-WU measurement. In contrast, the implementation of the RWU40 protocol effectively attenuated these reductions in HR (-9.12%, p = .017), BT (-0.33%, p = .375), CMJ (-1.72%, p = .167) and MAT (-0.48%, p = .634). Additionally, participants reported higher RPE levels in the RWU40 than in the CON post-RWU (p = .035). Conclusions: The findings highlight the efficacy of a 3-min moderate-intensity cycle ergometer RWU in attenuating the detrimental effects of passive rest on basketball players' performance, thereby optimizing readiness for substitutes entering the game.