Impact of Sports-Specific Warm-Up Routines on Sprint Performance in Track Athletes

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of sports-specific warm-up routines on sprint performance among track athletes. Warm-up protocols tailored to the specific demands of sprinting are hypothesized to enhance muscular activation, increase blood flow, and improve neuromuscular coordination, thereby optimizing sprint output. A sample of competitive track athletes underwent various warm-up regimens, including general, dynamic, and sprint-specific routines, followed by timed sprint trials. Results indicated that athletes performing sports-specific warm-ups demonstrated significant improvements in sprint times compared to those using generic warm-ups. The findings suggest that incorporating targeted warm-up exercises designed to mimic sprinting mechanics can effectively enhance acute sprint performance. This has practical implications for coaches and athletes aiming to maximize competitive outcomes through optimized pre-competition preparation.