Use the Back button in your browser to see the other results of your search or to select another record.

Detailed Search Results

Acute warm-up effects in submaximal athletes: an EMG study of skilled violinists
McCrary JM, Halaki M, Sorkin E, Ackermann BJ
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2016 Feb;48(2):307-315
clinical trial
4/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

BACKGROUND: Warm-up is commonly recommended for injury prevention and performance enhancement across all activities, yet this recommendation is not supported by evidence for repetitive submaximal activities such as instrumental music performance. PURPOSE: Quantify the effects of cardiovascular, core muscle, and musical warm-ups on muscle activity levels, musical performance, and subjective experience in skilled violinists. METHODS: Fifty-five undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional violinists performed 5 randomly ordered 45-second musical excerpts of varying physical demands both before and after a randomly assigned 15-minute, moderate intensity cardiovascular, core muscle, musical (technical violin exercises), or inactive control warm-up protocol. Surface EMG (sEMG) data were obtained for 16 muscles of the trunk, shoulders, and right arm during each musical performance. Sound recording and perceived exertion (RPE) data were also obtained. Sound recordings were randomly ordered and rated for performance quality by blinded adjudicators. Questionnaire data regarding participant pain sites and fitness levels were used to stratify participants according to pain and fitness levels. Data were analyzed using 2 and 3-factor ANCOVAs (sEMG and sound recording), and Wilcoxon matched pairs tests (RPE). RESULTS: None of the 3 warm-up protocols had significant effects on muscle activity levels (p >= 0.10). Performance quality did not significantly increase (p >= 0.21). RPE significantly decreased (p < 0.05) following warm-up for each of the 3 experimental warm-ups; control condition RPE did not significantly decrease (p > 0.23). CONCLUSION: Acute physiological and musical benefits from cardiovascular, core muscle, and musical warm-ups in skilled violinists are limited to decreases in RPE. This investigation provides data from the performing arts in support of sports medical evidence suggesting warm-up only effectively enhances maximal strength and power performance.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help