Open Access

The acute effects of different warm-up protocols on visual reaction time and athletic performance in boxers

1 Muş Alparslan University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Muş, Turkiye ROR
2 Bitlis Eren University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Bitlis, Turkiye ROR

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of different warm-up protocols (static, dynamic, and sport-specific) on selected physical performance parameters and visual reaction time in boxers. Twelve male boxers participated in the study, and each subject was randomly exposed to all three warm-up conditions. After each warm-up, performance tests were conducted, including visual reaction time, handgrip strength, flexibility, back strength, 10 m and 20 m sprint, agility, and countermovement jump (CMJ). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and LSD post-hoc tests, with significance set at p <0.05. The findings revealed that both dynamic and sport-specific warm-up protocols significantly improved handgrip strength and flexibility compared to static warm-up (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed among protocols for the other variables (p>0.05). These results suggest that dynamic and sport-specific warm-ups are more effective and may be recommended in boxing, which requires high levels of reactivity and flexibility. From a practical standpoint, coaches may consider incorporating 15 minutes of dynamic or sport-specific warm-ups followed by a brief rest to optimize readiness and minimize injury risk.

Keywords

How to Cite

Okut, S., & Kizilca, S. (2025). The acute effects of different warm-up protocols on visual reaction time and athletic performance in boxers. Journal of ROL Sport Sciences, 6(3), 569–588. https://doi.org/10.70736/jrolss.1982

References

📄 Afonso, J., Brito, J., Abade, E., Rendeiro-Pinho, G., Baptista, I., Figueiredo, P., …et al. (2024). Revisiting the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of the warm-up: are we asking the right questions?. Sports Medicine, 54(1), 23-30. [Crossref]
📄 Ahsan, M., & Mohammad, A. (2018). Effects of different warm-up techniques on dynamic balance and muscular strength on players: A study. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 4(12), 29–39. [Crossref]
📄 Akyüz, M., Özmaden, M., Doğrı, Y., Karedemir, E., Aydın, Y., & Hayta, Ü. (2017). Effect of static and dynamic stretching exercises on some physical parameters in young basketball players. Journal of Human Sciences, 14(2), 1492–1500. [Crossref]
📄 Ayala, F., Calderón-López, Á., Delgado-Gosalbez, J. C., Parra-Sánchez, S., Pomares-Noguera, C., Hernández-Sánchez, S., …et al. (2017). Acute effects of three neuromuscular warm-up strategies on several physical performance measures in football players. PLoS ONE, 12(1), e0169660. [Crossref]
📄 Bayer, R., Nobarı, H., Eken, Ö., Bayrakdaroğlu, S., Koç, H., Pardos, E. M., & Yağın, F. H. (2023). Effect of different specific warm-up protocols and time of day on optimum power performance in kickboxers. Turkish Journal of Kinesiology, 9(1), 41-51. [Crossref]