Innovative integration: optimizing performance through warm-up and photobiomodulation in high-intensity test.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is explored for its potential ergogenic effects.
• The impact of PBMT timing, particularly in conjunction with warm-up protocols, on athletic performance remains under investigation.
• Optimizing pre-performance routines is crucial for maximizing athletic output in intermittent sports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if PBMT applied immediately after a standardized warm-up influences intermittent exercise performance and intensity variables in female futsal players.
• To compare the effects of warm-up plus PBMT versus traditional PBMT (no warm-up) and warm-up plus placebo.

Main Methods:

• A counterbalanced randomized crossover design involving twelve female futsal players.
• Four experimental sessions included: warm-up + PBMT, warm-up + placebo, seated rest + PBMT, and seated rest + placebo.
• Performance was assessed using the YoYo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 test (YYIR1), with heart rate, RPE, and blood lactate levels monitored.

Main Results:

• Performance in the YYIR1 was significantly superior in the warm-up + PBMT condition (440.0 ± 59.0 m) compared to warm-up + placebo (353.3 ± 94.7 m) and placebo alone (325.0 ± 67.2 m).
• No significant differences were observed in intensity variables (heart rate, RPE, blood lactate) across the conditions.
• The combination of warm-up and PBMT demonstrated a clear performance enhancement.

Conclusions:

• Applying photobiomodulation therapy immediately following a standardized warm-up significantly improves high-intensity intermittent performance in amateur female futsal players.
• This combined approach enhances performance without negatively impacting physiological intensity markers.
• The findings suggest that integrating PBMT into warm-up routines can be a beneficial strategy for athletes in intermittent sports.