Comparing the Acute and Short-Term Effects of Fifa 11 + and Total Motion Release Warm-Up Programs on Dynamic Balance and Physical Performance on Male Football Players Publisher



Barati M ; Malmir K ; Otadi K
Source: Sport Sciences for Health Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Football demands intense physical and technical effort, so effective warm-up routines are vital for preparing athletes. This study compares the immediate and short-term effects of two different warm-up programs: FIFA 11 +, which offers a structured neuromuscular and plyometric approach, and Total Motion Release (TMR), a therapeutic method aimed at correcting movement asymmetries. Methods: Forty-five male football players (15 per group) were randomly assigned to FIFA 11 + (17.60 ± 0.74 years), TMR (17.67 ± 0.90 years), or control (17.73 ± 0.80 years). Y-balance test, vertical jump, sprinting speed, agility, and knee valgus angle during a double-leg landing task assessed using Kinovea video analysis were measured before, immediately after, and two hours post-intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 24 and STATA 17 at a 0.05 significance level. Results: FIFA 11 + produced large, sustained reductions in knee valgus angle versus control (mean Δ≈ − 4.0° to − 4.7°; SMD = 1.01–1.05) and improved agility (SMD = − 1.20 to − 1.63), with acute sprint benefits (Δ = − 0.31 s, SMD = − 0.96) that diminished by 2 h. In Y-balance test posterolateral reach, FIFA showed greater immediate improvement than control (Δ = − 9.04%, SMD = − 1.1, p < 0.001), while TMR’s effects were smaller but more retained at 2 h (Δ = − 7.50%, p = 0.05). Both interventions modestly improved anterior reach (SMD≈ − 0.63, p = 0.05). TMR showed no superiority over FIFA in any outcome. Conclusion: Both FIFA 11 + and TMR improve balance and physical performance, but through different mechanisms. FIFA 11 + shows acute improvements in agility, jumping, and knee valgus control that persist for up to two hours, making it potentially suitable as a pre-match warm-up. TMR appears to provide more sustained balance support, which may help manage fatigue during prolonged activity. When applied together, these programs may offer complementary benefits for short-term performance preparation. Level of evidence: 1b. Trial registration: IRCT20240616062147N1, registered on 22/06/ 2024. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag Italia S.r.l., part of Springer Nature 2026.