The effects of comprehensive warm-up programs on proprioception, static and dynamic balance on male soccer players. PLoS One 2012

Purpose: The study investigated the effects of FIFA 11+ and HarmoKnee, both being popular warm-up programs, on proprioception, and on the static and dynamic balance of professional male soccer players. Methods: Under 21 year-old soccer players (n = 36) were divided randomly into 11+, HarmoKnee and control groups. The programs were performed for 2 months (24 sessions). Proprioception was measured bilaterally at 30u, 45u and 60u knee flexion using the Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer. Static and dynamic balances were evaluated using the stork stand test and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), respectively. Results: The proprioception error of dominant leg significantly decreased from pre- to post-test by 2.8 % and 1.7 % in the 11+ group at 45u and 60u knee flexion, compared to 3 % and 2.1 % in the HarmoKnee group. The largest joint positioning error was in the non-dominant leg at 30u knee flexion (mean error value = 5.047), (p,0.05). The static balance with the eyes opened increased in the 11+ by 10.9 % and in the HarmoKnee by 6.1 % (p,0.05). The static balance with eyes closed significantly increased in the 11+ by 12.4 % and in the HarmoKnee by 17.6%. The results indicated that static balance was significantly higher in eyes opened compared to eyes closed (p = 0.000). Significant improvements in SEBT in the 11+ (12.4%) and HarmoKnee (17.6%) groups were also found. Conclusion: Both the 11+ and HarmoKnee programs were proven to be useful warm-up protocols in improvin