RADICAL STEP MODULAR SYSTEM AS A WARM-UP TOOL FOR TEAM SPORTS ATHLETES

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Radical Step modular flooring system as a pre-training warm-up tool to improve postural balance in team sports athletes. Materials and methods. The study involved 105 (100 %) ranked student-athletes from team sports. The main group comprised 50 (47.6 %) participants who performed a set of exercises on the Radical Step modular flooring system for 5–7 minutes before each training session over a 6-week period. The control group consisted of 55 (52.4 %) participants who performed a standard warm-up. Functional stability, strength, endurance, and postural balance were assessed using the Heel-Rise Test, Reactive Strength Index, and Y-balance test. Testing was conducted at baseline (day 1) and after 6 weeks. Results. Analysis of the results of using the Radical Step modular system as a warm-up tool for 6 weeks demonstrated a significant improvement in explosive strength parameters (RSI +5.5 %, p < 0.001) and postural balance (YBT +1.1 %, p < 0.001) in team sports athletes, confirming its effectiveness in improving proprioception. Conclusion. Analysis of the data allows us to conclude that the Radical Step modular system has a positive impact as a warm-up tool for team sports athletes. Improvements were noted not only in postural balance but also in various aspects of proprioception. These findings are of significant practical importance for coaches and sports medicine specialists, as they demonstrate the potential to improve key physical qualities in athletes through a targeted warm-up using the Radical Step system.