The effect of self-selected versus standardised warm-ups on kayak ergometer performance in Hungarian elite kayakers: a randomized controlled crossover trial

TL;DR

This study compared different warm-up strategies for elite kayakers and found that self-selected warm-ups were well-liked and effective when not causing high lactate levels.

Contribution

The study introduces a comparison of self-selected and structured warm-ups in elite kayaking, emphasizing athlete preference and performance outcomes.

Findings

Interval warm-ups produced the highest average power output in a 2-minute kayak ergometer test.

Self-selected warm-ups were rated most favorably by athletes and did not significantly differ in performance from interval warm-ups.

High pre-trial blood lactate levels were strongly linked to reduced performance, regardless of warm-up type.

Abstract

Warm-up strategies play a crucial role in enhancing athletic performance and preventing injuries, yet the optimal warm-up protocol for sprint kayaking remains unclear.

This study compared the effects of four different warm-up approaches—interval, increasing intensity, continuous, and self-selected—on performance in a 2-minute maximal kayak ergometer test among eleven elite male sprint kayakers. Each participant completed all warm-up types in a randomized order, followed by a 2-minute all-out time trial. Performance power output, heart rate, blood lactate levels, and subjective ratings of the warm-ups were measured.

Results showed that the interval warm-up produced the highest average power output, significantly outperforming the increasing intensity warm-up. However, performance after the self-selected warm-up was not significantly different from the interval warm-up, and athletes rated the self-selected warm-up significantly better than the other warm-ups. Higher blood lactate concentrations measured immediately before the time trial were strongly associated with reduced performance regardless of warm-up type. The increasing intensity warm-up resulted in the highest pre-trial lactate levels and lowest performance.

These findings suggest that while structured interval warm-ups can enhance performance, self-selected warm-ups are appreciated by experienced sprint kayakers and can be implemented if blood lactate level is not excessively elevated. This study highlights the importance of balancing warm-up intensity to maximize performance without inducing premature fatigue.

Not applicable. This study did not involve a health care intervention and did not meet the criteria for clinical trial registration.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13102-026-01555-6.

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