Running Speed Loss Can Be Prevented with Passive Heat Maintenance before the Start of the Soccer Match

Abstract

Maintaining the state achieved after the warm-up in modern soccer represents a significant problem. The main goal of this research was to determine the influence of a regular tracksuit on skin temperature and running speed during the pre-game routine. This study included 36 youth soccer players (15.61 ± 0.68 years, 175.16 ± 4.21 cm) divided into two groups. A two-way ANOVA was used with the level of significance set at <0.05. The main findings of this research indicated that skin temperature is reduced after the WU and is slower to be restored when players wear tracksuits. In addition, the results showed a significant treatment × time-point interaction effect for 10 [p = 0.015, ηp2 = 0.16], 20 [p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.26], and 30 [p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.20] meter sprint tests. A significant treatment (experimental vs. control) main effect was observed for 10 m [p = 0.042, ηp2 = 0.35], 20 m [p = 0.020, ηp2 = 0.55], and 30 m [p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.58] sprint tests. Moreover, a significant sequence-trial interaction effect for 10 m (p = 0.002), 20 m (p < 0.001), and 30 m (p < 0.001) sprints was observed. However, the main effects of the sequence or trial factors alone were insignificant. It is concluded that regular tracksuits may have a beneficial influence on Ts loss and running speed. This research’s most significant practical application is that it lasts for a short period of time and that it requires no extra effort.