Acute Effects of Different Warm-Up Protocols in Amateur Basketball Players

Brief Summary This randomized controlled trial will compare the immediate effects of three warm-up protocols on physical performance in male amateur basketball players. A total of 45 licensed basketball players aged 15 to 25 years will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: standard dynamic warm-up, dynamic warm-up followed by classical hold-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, or dynamic warm-up followed by short-duration self-administered PNF stretching. The main outcome will be the change in countermovement jump height. Additional outcomes will include flexibility, knee range of motion, squat jump height, 20-meter sprint time, agility, dynamic balance, and perceived exertion. Measurements will be performed before the assigned warm-up protocol, immediately after the protocol, and 15 minutes after the protocol. The study aims to determine whether short-duration self-PNF stretching can improve flexibility while preserving performance more effectively than classical PNF stretching. Each participant will complete the assigned protocol and all assessments during a single study session.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male * Aged 15-25 years * Licensed amateur basketball player * Minimum 2 years of basketball experience * Basketball training at least 3 days per week * No serious lower-extremity injury within the past 6 months * No lower-extremity surgery within the past 6 months * No acute pain or movement limitation * No neurological, vestibular, cardiovascular, or respiratory disorder preventing exercise * No strenuous exercise or official competition within the past 48 hours No alcohol consumption within the past 24 hours No caffeine, energy drinks, pre-workout products, or ergogenic supplements on the testing day * Written informed consent * Parental consent and participant assent for participants younger than 18 years Exclusion Criteria: * Acute lower-extremity muscle, tendon, ligament, or bone injury * Knee, hip, or ankle surgery within the past 6 months * History of major ligament, meniscal, or Achilles tendon injury * Lumbar disc herniation, sciatica, peripheral nerve injury, or neurological disorder * Vestibular disorder or balance impairment * Hypertension, serious cardiovascular disease, or exercise contraindication * Physiotherapy or lower-extremity rehabilitation within the past 3 months * Regular structured lower-extremity stretching * Acute infection, fever, or poor general health on the testing day * Inability to complete the intervention or performance tests