Intraday variation in short-term maximal performance: effects of different warm-up modalities

Purpose This study aimed at examining the effects of two stretching protocols performed at different times of the day on short-term maximal performance. Methods Eleven physical education students performed a 5-min cycling warm-up followed by static stretching, dynamic stretching, or no stretching. Then, they carried out the counter-movement jump and 30-s Wingate tests. Oral temperature was measured at rest and after each warm-up. Moreover, ratings of perceived exertion were obtained immediately after each warm-up. Results Oral temperature was higher in the afternoon compared to the morning before and after the three warm-ups. It increased following the three warm-ups at the two times of measurement. The highest relative increase was observed after dynamic stretching. Furthermore, counter-movement jump heights as well as peak and mean power assessed by the Wingate test were higher in the afternoon compared to the morning. Moreover, short-term performances were higher after no stretching compared to static stretching and dynamic stretching at the two times of measurement. Likewise, ratings of perceived exertion were higher after dynamic stretching compared to static stretching and no stretching. Conclusions Static or dynamic stretching has a negative effect on Wingate test and counter-movement jump performances either in the morning or in the afternoon.