The effects of various warming up intensities and durations upon some physiological variables during an exercise...

Empirically, many procedures are used by sportsmen to warm up, such as massage, hot showers, or muscular exercise, although their objective effect on performance is still not evident. The present study investigates different warming up durations and intensities with or without a resting period between warming up and the criterion exercise, both performed on a bicycle ergometer. Heart rate, oxygen consumption, blood lactic acid level, and oxygen debt are measured. When the criterion exercise immediately follows warming up, heart rate, and oxygen consumption generally attain higher values during the criterion exercise but lactic acid level shows no important variation. When introducing a resting period between warming up and the criterion exercise, the heart rate and oxygen consumption values do not differ from those attained without warming up. The results do not conclusively show a positive effect of warming up before exercise.