Comparison of the Immediate Effects of Modified and Routine Warm- Ups on Knee Joint Function and Dynamic Balance in Athletes

Background: Warm-up before a sport activity is the most common preventive measure to reduce the incidences and severity of injuries during sport activities. This study investigated the effects of modified warm-up on balance and knee function as compared to those of routine warm-up in athletes. Methods: Twenty healthy athletes volunteered to participate in the study. At the beginning of the session, we evaluated the dynamic balance and the knee joint function variables by Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and hop tests, and then the subjects did either modified or routine warm-up. Immediately after doing the warm-up, the dynamic balance and the knee joint function variables were assessed again. Each subject underwent both interventions in two sessions separated by at least 48 hours. Results: Statistically significant improvements were measured for modified warm-up compared to routine warm-up in eight directions of SEBT and four hop tests. (A: P=0.0001, AL: P=0.005, L: P=0.002, PL: P=0.005, P: P=0.005, PM: P=0.0001, M: P=0.001, AM: P=0.001) (One-leg hop test for distance: P=0.007, triple hop test for distance: P=0.003, triple crossover hop for distance: P=0.004, and 6 meter timed hop test: P=0.0001(. Conclusion: Modified warm-up showed greater impact on improving dynamic balance and some indicators of knee joint function in athletes, and it thereby provides more appropriate conditions for physical activity and reduces incidences of sport injuries.