Abstract
This conceptual review investigates whether functional training (FT) is a different approach from traditional strength, power, flexibility, and endurance (aerobic or cardiorespiratory) training already adopted in the physical training plan of professional, recreational athletes, healthy, and older adults. The 20 most recent papers published involving FT were searched in the PubMed/Medline database. Definition, concepts, benefits, and the exercises employed in FT programs were analyzed. The main results were: (a) there is no agreement about a universal definition for FT; (b) FT programs aim at developing the same benefits already induced by traditional training programs; (c) exercises employed are also the same. The inability to define FT makes the differentiation from traditional training programs difficult. Physical training programs can be easily described and classified as strength, power, flexibility, endurance, and the specific exercises employed (e.g., traditional resistance training, ballistic exercises, plyometrics and Olympic-style weightlifting, continuous and high-intensity interval training). This apt description and classification may provide consistent and clear communication between students, coaches, athletes, and sports scientists. Based on the current evidence and to avoid confusion and misconceptions, we recommend that the terms FT, high-intensity FT, and functional fitness training no longer describe any physical training program.
Highlights
We found additional functional training (FT) “variations” included in the analysis of definitions, neuromuscular adaptations, and exercises employed
The main results were: (a) there is no agreement about a universal definition for FT; (b) FT programs aim at inducing the same neuromuscular adaptations to traditional strength, power, and aerobic endurance training programs; (c) exercises employed are the same
An apt description of physical training programs is essential for planning neuromuscular, cardiovascular, metabolic, and functional exercise performance and recovery enhancements
Summary
Power, endurance and flexibility are well-defined concepts within exercise prescription and muscle performance (Cormie et al, 2011a; Granata et al, 2018; Nuzzo, 2020), nutritional requirements (Baar, 2014) and the study of specific neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and metabolic adaptations (Cormie et al, 2011b; Egan and Zierath, 2013; Granata et al, 2018). Functional Training: A Conceptual Review to sustain repetitive high and low-intensity efforts (Granata et al, 2018), encompassing the application of both continuous and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (Buchheit and Laursen, 2013; Granata et al, 2018) Otherwise, despite these well-consolidated characterizations of sports physical demand, training programs designs and adaptations, an increasing number of articles introduce apparently “new” physical training programs. It is common to hear from students, coaches, and athletes: “I’m working with functional training (FT),” “I’m engaged on a high-intensity FT program,” “I’m investigating the neuromuscular responses to functional training.” These statements caught our attention and have been previously criticized (Wirth et al, 2017; Ide et al, 2021). We found inconsistencies and misconceptions on the FT definition, cited references that do not support the statements, and no differences regarding benefits and training methods already used in sports training (Ide et al, 2021)
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