Abstract
This study investigated the acute effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based warm-up on isokinetic strength, endurance, and body balance in 50 soccer players. Measurements were taken on four separate days, with participants resting completely between sessions. Isokinetic strength tests for hip, knee, and ankle flexion and extension were conducted using an isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60o/sec, 180o/sec and 240o/sec. Endurance was assessed with 25 repetitions at 240o/sec by analyzing the change in peak torque values. On the first day, players underwent general warm-up, balance tests, and isokinetic strength measurements. Subsequent sessions included these measurements along with additional testing. Results showed that the PNF-based warm-up significantly improved static and dynamic balance compared to other methods (p<,001). Peak torque values at all angular velocities indicated that the PNF-based warm-up was more effective than other warm-ups. Additionally, PNF-based warm-up had a better acute effect on knee joint isokinetic endurance (p<,05). In conclusion, the PNF-based warm-up significantly enhanced static and dynamic balance, isokinetic strength, and endurance in soccer players. It is recommended to include PNF-based warm-ups in soccer training, especially for the lower extremities, and to consider combining it with active warm-up methods for optimal acute performance benefits.