MOBILITY AND STRENGTH-BASED WARM-UP: A PILOT STUDY IN YOUNG COMPETITIVE OVERHEAD ATHLETES

Abstract

Purpose: In sports involving overhead movements, shoulder function depends not only on joint range of motion (ROM), but also on the ability to generate force and maintain motor control in positions of greatest mechanical demand. Although mobility exercises are frequently included in prevention and athletic preparation protocols, they are often relegated to the final phase of the session, limiting their possible improvement on performance. The present study aims to compare the effects of an active warm-up, based on scapulohumeral joint-specific mobility and strength exercises, versus a traditional warm-up, evaluating its influence on ROM, scapulohumeral control, and neuromuscular performance in young competitive athletes (16–21 years old). Methods: Thirty athletes were randomly assigned in two groups: control (traditional warm-up) and experimental (active warm-up). The protocol was performed three times a week for six weeks, before the usual training. Assessments (T0, T1, T2) included: Rom with Gyko sensor, Handgrip test, Ckcuest and Supine medicine ball throwing test. Statistical analysis was conducted with ANOVA for repeated measures (p\0.05). Results: The experimental group showed significant increases in Rom in abduction and external rotation, while internal rotation was unchanged. The control group reported minimal changes in all movements. Throwing the Medicine ball resulted in a significant increase in the experimental group (?11.4 cm ± 5.8; p\0.05), and there was a positive correlation between the increase in Rom and the distance achieved. The Ckcuest test showed a positive trend in the experimental group, with a smaller, similar trend in the control group. The handgrip test showed modest, nonsignificant improvements in both groups. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a structured warm-up with dynamic mobility and specific strength exercises may be a promising strategy to positively influence functional mobility in young athletes. However, further investigations with larger samples and long-term follow-up are needed to confirm the preliminary results