Comparison of motor performance between passive and active warm-ups

Foam rolling and static stretching are passive interventions designed to improve flexibility and motor performance. Dynamic exercises (active modalities) may create an optimal environment for power production. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of motor performance between passive and active warm-up protocols. In this crossover study, ten active subjects were randomly assigned to either passive or active warm-up intervention on the first session and switched to the other intervention on the second session. The passive intervention includes one set of foam rolling on the front of the hip for both legs and one set of the Half-Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch. The active intervention includes one set of the Bodyweight Split Squat and one set of the Kettlebell Swings. Each participant performed the Prisoner Squat Jump to obtain the power output and muscle activation. The findings showed that while active warm-ups increased flexibility, passive protocol decreased peak velocity. There was no significant difference between the passive intervention and active intervention for peak power, peak force, and muscle activation. The findings suggest that active warm-up is the preferred modality to enhance functional range of motion, and passive intervention may be avoided prior to exercises requiring peak velocity.