Comparison of the effects of different warm-up protocols on anabolic-catabolic balance, fatigue, physical readiness, and technical skill measures: Study protocol for a randomized parallel study in young male soccer players

Introduction Warm-up routines are essential for optimizing soccer players’ performance, yet their specific effects on adolescents, with unique hormonal and physiological characteristics, remain underexplored. This study aims to identify effective warm-up strategies to enhance physical fitness, technical skills, and fatigue management in youth soccer players under 15 years old. Methods and Analysis The study involves 72 semi-elite male soccer players, randomly assigned to one of six groups: five experimental warm-up protocols (Integrated, Analytical, Small-Sided Games [SSG], Analytical + Dynamic, SSG + Integrated) and one control group performing a standard dynamic warm-up. Participants will complete an eight-week training program with warm-up routines applied for 20 minutes at the start of training sessions, three times per week (24 sessions total). Outcomes assessed include physical performance (endurance, explosive power, sprint speed, and agility), technical skills (dribbling and passing accuracy), physiological markers (testosterone, cortisol, and LDH levels during simulated matches), and fatigue indicators (neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and metabolic measures). Data will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Ethics and Dissemination This project has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch (IR.IAU.KHUISF.REC.1403.419). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at relevant academic conferences, providing practical recommendations for coaches and trainers to optimize warm-up routines for adolescent soccer players.