EFFECT OF SAUNA WARM-UP ON OVERHEAD SQUAT DEPTH IN ELITE WEIGHTLIFTERS

Abstract

Ample total body flexibility or range of motion is important in Olympic style weightlifting. Although research has been conducted to study flexibility, little information exists regarding the use of saunas as an alternative modality for increasing flexibility. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of a fifteenminute sauna session on overhead squat depth in 15 elite Olympic style weightlifters. Range of motion was assessed via video camera during a control and treatment session (3 trials at 4 time points). Overhead squat depth displayed excellent within- and between-session reliability. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant changes in overhead squat depth following the sauna treatment (p > 0.05).