Functional Training Group Research Articles

Exploring the effects of a 12-Week functional training program on fundamental motor skills for primary school children aged 6–7

BackgroundFundamental motor skills (FMS) are the foundation of children’s movement. Professional guidance and customised training methods are essential to effectively acquiring and mastering fundamental motor skills. Recently, functional training has gained widespread popularity and is associated with numerous benefits. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of functional training on fundamental motor skills in children aged 6–7. MethodsThis study was conducted at a primary school. One hundred children were randomly selected from 382 who met the criteria and allocated to a functional training or regular physical education group, with 25 boys and 25 girls in each group. The research program lasted 12 weeks, with two weekly sessions, each lasting 40 min. The assessment of fundamental motor skills utilises the Test of Gross Motor Development and Pediatric Balance Scale. The pre-test and post-test data were analysed using generalised estimating equations. ResultsThe data analysis showed statistically significant differences between and within groups. There was a significant interaction effect of time and group on the gross motor quotient (x2 = 51.603, p = 0.001), locomotor subtest standard scores (x2 = 22.259, p = 0.001), object control subtest standard scores (x2 = 29.283, p = 0.001), and PBS balance scores (x2 = 24.881, p = 0.001). Furthermore, the main effect of time was significant for the four variables. However, the main effects of the group varied. Significant effects of the group were observed for the gross motor quotient (x2 = 8.662, p = 0.003) and object control subtest standard scores (x2 = 7.471, p = 0.006), but not for locomotor subtest standard scores (x2 = 2.558, p = 0.110) or PBS balance scores (x2 = 1.188, p = 0.276). Discussion and ConclusionsFunctional training can positively impact the development of fundamental motor skills in children aged 6–7, demonstrating greater effectiveness than regular physical education courses. These findings provide evidence that incorporating functional training into early childhood physical education can be an effective intervention for enhancing the development of fundamental motor skills.

Effects of functional training on tennis-specific physical fitness and functional movement screen in junior tennis players

Objectives Functional training mimics the coordinated motions of multiple muscle groups and joints performed during exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 12-week functional training and traditional resistance training on the performance in junior tennis players. Methods Trained tennis players (mean age: 16.6 years) were assigned to a traditional training group (n = 20) or functional training group (n = 20). The traditional training group received a resistance training program by their coach, while the functional training group was given Santana’s Racket Sport Program. At baseline, after six weeks, and after 12 weeks (T12), the participants’ tennis-specific physical fitness and functional movement screen (FMS) were evaluated. Results At T12, both training improved the values for multistage fitness test, hexagon test, planned agility test, sit and reach, and 20 metre sprint (p < 0.05); except the flexibility, functional training provided no additional advantages. At T12, functional training enhanced (p < 0.01) all seven components of the FMS, and there is a 100% probability that the total score of the FMS would be enhanced. In contrast, for the traditional training group, shoulder mobility of the FMS decreased (p = 0.03), and there was no changes in other FMS components at T12. Conclusions Functional training is not only effective in improving tennis-specific physical fitness, but it also provides greater functional movement advantages for junior tennis players compared to traditional resistance training.

Enhancing Physical Fitness in Elite Field Hockey Players with A Twelve-Week Functional Training Program: A Cluster Randomized Control Trial.

This study aimed to explore the impact of functional training on the physical fitness of young elite field hockey players. The study comprised 40 young elite male field hockey players with the following characteristics (mean ± SD age: 21.5 ± 0.8 years; height: 176.9 ± 2.6 cm; weight: 68.4 ± 5.1 kg; BMI: 21.8 ± 1.3; training experience: 51.2 ± 5.4 months). Twenty participants were allocated to two groups: the functional training group (FTG) and the control training group (CG). Each group received 60-minute training sessions three times per week for 12 weeks. Generalized estimating equation analysis and a Bonferroni test for pairwise comparisons were used to assess the intervention's efficacy. Before the start of the exercise program, no statistically significant differences were observed in physical fitness measures between the FTG and CG (p > 0.05). However, by the sixth week, a significant difference appeared in both the T-Agility test (p < 0.001) and endurance (p = 0.024) between the two groups, while no notable distinctions were detected in other fitness parameters (p > 0.05). After a 12-week training program, the FTG demonstrated improvements in all physical fitness measures [flexibility (p < 0.001); Illinois agility test (p < 0.001); T-agility test (p = 0.020); endurance (p < 0.001)] except speed, which exhibited no significant impact (p = 0.175). Notable enhancements in T-agility and endurance were evident after just six weeks of functional training, and a 12-week functional training regimen showed superiority over standard training approaches in young elite male field hockey players. These findings encourage the efficacy of functional training exercises over traditional methods in enhancing athletes' fitness parameters.

Effects of 12 weeks of functional training vs. Muay Thai on cardiac autonomic modulation and hemodynamic parameters in older adults: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundThe elevated blood pressure (BP) and lower cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) are associated with higher morbidity mortality risk among older adults. Although exercise is an important intervention for cardiovascular promotion, it is unclear whether combat sports training could benefit cardiovascular outcomes as much as autonomic in this population. This study compared the effects of 12 weeks of Muay Thai (MT) training against functional training (FT) on CAM and hemodynamic parameters in older adults. MethodsThe sample consisted of 50 older adults (41 women; 66.0 ± 5.3 years old), who were equaly randomized into FT (n = 25) and MT (n = 25) intervention groups. CAM was measured by 30-min rest heart rate variability. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and resting heart rate (RHR) were measured using an automatic oscillometric device. Pulse pressure (PP) and the double product (DP) were also calculated. The interventions were carried out three times a week, with 60-min length per session, during 12 consecutive weeks. The intensity of the interventions was measured using the subjective perception of exertion scale and by accelerometer. Two-factor repeated measures analysis of covariance was used for groups comparison, considering intervention group and body mass as factors. The 95% confidence interval of the difference (95%CIdif) was also calculated and the effect size was measured using partial eta squared (η2p).ResultsCAM indices did not show significant changes across moments and intervention groups. In hemodynamic parameters, only in DBP was there an effect of the moment (F1,39 = 8.206; P = 0.007; η2p = 0.174, large) and interaction effect between group*moment (F1,39 = 7.950; P = 0.008; η2p = 0.169, large). Specifically, the MT group at the post-training moment showed lower DBP (P = 0.010; 95%CIdif = -13.3; -1.89) in relation to the FT group. Furthermore, the MT group showed a decrease in DBP during training (P = 0.002; 95%CIdif = -10.3; -2.6). Also, an increase in training intensity was also found over the 12 weeks in FT, with no difference between the groups.ConclusionAfter 12 weeks of MT practice there was a reduction in DBP compared to FT in older adults.Trial registrationNCT03919968 Registration date: 01/02/2019.

The effects of Nirvana fitness and functional training on the body appreciation of young women: non-randomized controlled trial.

Exercise is an important intervention used to improve body image. The present non-randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the effects of Nirvana Fitness (NF) and functional training (FT) on body appreciation and its correlates in young women. Twenty-two students participated in FT, 21 in NF, and 47 in the control (CN) group. The mean age of the study participants was 22.79 ± 6.14 years. The FT and NF groups participated in sessions 2 days per week for 8 weeks, and the CN group did not participate in any sessions. All the participants were evaluated at pre- and post-intervention, filling in the Body Appreciation Scale 2 (BAS-2), Mind-Body Connection from the Physical Activity Body Experiences Questionnaire (PABEQ), Body Surveillance from the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS), the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS), intrinsic exercise motivation from Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2 (BREQ-2), and perceived physical fitness. Significant improvements were found in terms of all outcome measures in the FT group, and improvements of body and mind connection and body surveillance in the NF group, while no improvements were observed in the CN group. FT's effect on body appreciation appeared to operate through the improvement of the mind-body connection in the FT and NF groups and via decreased body surveillance in the FT group. These findings support the developmental theory of embodiment and provide initial evidence that professionally delivered FT and NF might be used as effective strategies for the promotion of positive body image in young women.

Virtual reality and functional training effect on contractile properties of lower leg muscles and postural stability

Purpose. Tensiomyography is a noninvasive and reliable method to identify the differences in skeletal muscle responses. Poor lower leg muscles cause poor postural stability, leading to the risk of injury in athletes. The study aims to investigate the aftereffect of a six-week virtual reality environment and functional training program on the contractile properties of lower-leg muscles and postural stability index. Material and methods. A comparative pre-test and post-test study design was selected for this study. Twenty-four male athletes were taken part in the study. The participants were randomly divided into a virtual reality intervention-training group (n=12) or a functional training group (n=12). The virtual reality environment training was provided using the CAREN integrated virtual reality system with a D-flow application from Motek. Functional training for static and dynamic postural stability was performed with various open and closed-eye exercises in the physical therapy lab. The contractile properties of lower-leg muscles were measured using tensiomyography. The postural stability index was assessed using a stadiometer. The assessments were performed before and after six weeks of training. A paired sample t-test was used to determine differences between pretest and posttest intervention outcome measures, and sample t-test was also applied to determine differences between groups after six weeks of training. Results. Results indicated significant differences between pretest and posttest measurement in virtual reality training group for displacement (t=2.81, p=.043), (t=-6.92, p=&lt;.001) in gastrocnemius lateral and medial muscle respectively, and sustain time (t=2.29, p=.042) in souls muscle. The postural stability with close eye was significant (t=2.61, p=.024). The functional training group showed significant differences for sustain time (t=-18.86, p=&lt;.001) in gastrocnemius lateral, and relaxation time (=3.24, p=.008), delay time (t=3.07, p=.011), and sustain time (t=-19.74, p=&lt;.001) in gastrocnemius medial, and sustain time (t=3.17, p=.009) in souls muscle. The postural stability was having insignificant differences. Conclusion. The virtual reality environment and functional training, help to improve performance, and tensiomyography could be used to assess and evaluate the parameters that could be helpful for optimizing training load in the performance enhancement process of athletes.

Functional and Combined Training Promote Body Recomposition and Lower Limb Strength in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial and a Time Course Analysis.

Encouraging healthy aging in postmenopausal women involves advocating for lifestyle modifications, including regular physical exercise like combined training (CT) and functional training (FT). Regarding this population, age-related alterations in body composition, such as decreased muscle mass and heightened adipose tissue, impact health. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of FT and CT on body recomposition in postmenopausal women. About the methods, we randomly allocated 96 post-menopausal women to the FT, CT, or control group (CG). We measured body composition by bioimpedance and lower limb muscle strength by sit-to-stand test in five repetitions, respectively. The training protocol lasted 16 weeks, and we measured body composition and lower limb muscle strength every 4 weeks, totaling five assessments. Regarding results, we notice that both training groups increased lean mass from the 8th week of training. In addition, a reduction was observed in total fat percentage and an increase in appendicular lean mass from the 12th week of intervention. No differences were found for body mass. Furthermore, only the experimental groups increase muscle strength, starting from the 4th week of training. The conclusion was that FT and CT promote similar adaptations in body recomposition without affecting body mass in postmenopausal women.

Effectiveness of Power Exercises Compared to Traditional Strength Exercises on Motor Skills, Muscle Performance and Functional Muscle Strength of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the impact of 8-weeks of power exercises compared to traditional strength exercises on motor abilities, muscle performance, and functional strength in children with ADHD. A total of 34 children with ADHD were randomized into two groups to receive functional power training (n = 17, M age: 121.2 ± 16.6 months) and traditional strength training (n = 17, M age: 116.1 ± 13.4 months). After the 8-week intervention, two-way ANOVA results with 95% confidence intervals showed no differences between the groups in motor skills, muscle power, or functional muscle strength. However, the functional power training group had larger effect sizes and greater increases in total motor composite score (10% vs 7%), body coordination (13.8% vs 4.9%) and bilateral coordination (38.8% vs 27.9%) than the traditional strength training group. The power training group also exhibited catch-up growth with typically developing peers. These findings suggest that power exercises may be more effective than strength exercises for rapid force generation in daily life, particularly for children with ADHD.

Effectiveness of functional training versus resistance exercise in patients with psoriatic arthritis: randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the effect of functional versus resistance exercise training on the functional capacity and quality of life of psoriatic arthritis patients.MethodsForty-one psoriatic arthritis patients (18 to 65 years old) were randomized into two groups: functional training group and resistance exercise group. The functional training group underwent functional exercises with elastic band and the functional training group underwent machine resistance exercise twice a week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures were: The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and Health Assessment Questionnaire for the Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) for functional capacity and functional status, one-repetition maximum test for muscle strength, the Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) for quality of life, and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS-28) for disease activity. Analyzes were performed by a blinded evaluator at baseline (T0), six (T6) and twelve (T12) weeks after the beginning of the exercise.ResultsAt baseline, the groups were homogeneous in the clinical and demographic characteristics. There was a statistical intra-group improvement for both groups in the BASFI, BASDAI, HAQ-s, and DAS-28. In the quality-of-life assessment, both groups showed statistical intra-group improvements for all domains except the “emotional aspect” domain in the resistance exercise group. In the muscle strength, there was a statistical improvement for all exercises in both groups, except for the “alternate biceps (bilateral)” exercise.ConclusionFunctional training and resistance exercise are similarly effective in improving functional capacity, functional status, disease activity, general quality of life, and muscle strength in patients with psoriatic arthritis.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04304326. Registered 11 March 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04304326?term=NCT04304326&draw=2&rank=1.

Clinical study of Tuina combined with functional training to improve the clinical symptoms and balance function in patients with meniscus injury

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) combined with functional training in improving clinical symptoms and balance function in patients with meniscus injury.MethodsA total of 93 patients with grade I-II meniscus injury were randomly divided into a functional training group, a Tuina group, and a combination group, with 31 cases in each group. The Tuina group received Tuina manipulation. The functional training group underwent functional training under the supervision of physicians. The combination group received Tuina manipulation in addition to the functional training. The treatment course of all three groups was 8 weeks. The clinical symptoms were observed before the intervention and after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions, and the changes in knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and Y-balance test (YBT) were compared.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the total response rate among the three groups after treatment (P>0.05). The total and subscale KOOS in the three groups were significantly higher than those before treatment after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the total KOOS between the combination group and the functional training group after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions (P<0.05); there was a statistically significant difference in the score of daily living ability and sports and recreation function between the two groups after 8 weeks of interventions (P<0.05). The YBT balance coefficients of the affected and non-affected knees of the three groups were significantly improved after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions (P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference among the groups (P>0.05).ConclusionTuina, functional training, and their combination can improve clinical symptoms and balance function in patients with grade I-II meniscus injury. Tuina combined with functional training is significantly effective in improving daily living ability and sports and recreation function.

FMS 기능성 동작훈련이 중국 대학 에어로빅 선수의 신체자세 조절 능력에 미치는 영향에 관한 실험적 연구

The present study explores the effects of FMS functional movement training on aerobic athletes' body posture coordination, and explores the application of FMS functional movement training to the promotion of aerobic athletes' physical performance. In aerobic exercise, body posture control ability is an important criterion for the expression of technical movements, the display of form art aesthetics, and the evaluation of aerobic competition performance. Physical training is the most basic way to improve body posture control, and FMS functional movement training is an emerging physical training mode in recent years, which attaches more importance to functional training than traditional physical training, does not improve athletes' self-confidence in a purposeful way, and has a relatively good improvement effect on technical movements with relatively high movement requirements.40 college aerobic athletes were randomly divided into two groups: Traditional physical training Group (T, N=20) and FMS functional movement training Group (F, N=20). The control group adopts the traditional physical training method, and the functional training group adopts the training method based on the functional movement design of FMS. The results showed that compared with before training, after the traditional physical training group and the FMS functional movement training group intervened, the subjects' FMS test improved significantly in all six motility movements (P&lt;0.05), but there was no significant difference in the straight bow squat and active orthogonal lifting test (P&gt;0.05). The body posture coordination in the dynamic movement and static movement of aerobics was significantly improved only in the FMS functional movement training group (P&lt;0.05).Conclusion: FMS functional training can relatively well promote aerobic athletes' body control ability and body posture coordination in the movement process, which is suitable for further application and dissemination in the physical fitness training of college aerobic athletes.After 12 weeks of training, the scores of various indicators of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group before the experiment, and the results of the FMS test were significantly improved; the effect of the experimental group was better than that of the control group, reducing the incidence of exercise damage; the physical stability, flexibility and asymmetry of the experimental group athletes were improved, but the effect on active right angle rise and straight lunge squat was not obvious. In the body posture control ability test under the static movement plane change condition, the 8-step ventral bridge, 5-step lateral bridge and hexagonal bridge of the experimental group and the control group showed significant differences, and the experimental configuration results were better than the control group, and the before-and-after comparison of the experimental group was significant.It shows that FMS functional movement training can improve the body posture control ability of aerobic athletes in the static movement plane. In the test of aerobic athletes' body posture control ability under the condition of dynamic movement direction change, the results show that the improvement effect of the T-shaped, W-shaped and Y-shaped tests of aerobic combination steps of the experimental group before and after the experiment is better than that of the control group, and each indicator has a significant difference within the group, indicating that FMS functional movement training has improved the body posture control ability of aerobic athletes.

Functional physical training improves fitness and cognitive development in 4~5 years old children.

Development of physical and cognitive function is very critical in 4~5 years children. It has been addressed in this research if the 18 weeks of specific functional training with or without cognitive training can be effective on improving fitness and cognitive development in 4~5 years preschool children. A total of 126 preschool children in the 4~5 age range were selected as participants and randomly assigned to one of four groups: the control group (C), the functional physical training group (P), the cognitive training group (CT), and the functional physical training combined with cognitive training group (PCT). The results revealed significant pre/post differences in body height and weight among all four groups of children. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in physical fitness between the C group and the CT group after the intervention. However, the children in the P group and the PCT group showed significant improvements in three indicators including standing long jump, continuous jump, and 10-meter shuttle running. Additionally, the children in P group, CT group, and the PCT group demonstrated significant improvement in simple reaction time, attention, and spatial memory. No significant cognitive improvement was found in C group. Functional physical training with or without cognitive intervention can promote both physical fitness and cognitive development in children aged 4~5 years. Cognitive training alone can significantly improve cognitive function but not physical. Therefore, functional physical training can be used alone to improve the physical and cognitive abilities for aged 4~5 years old children.

Comparing the effects of traditional resistance training and functional training on the bio-motor capacities of female elite taekwondo athletes

BackgroundThe capabilities of the biomotors are essential to the success of the taekwondo athlete. This study aimed to compare eight weeks of functional training and traditional resistance on the bio-motor capacities of elite female taekwondo athletes.MethodologySeventeen elite taekwondo athletes (mean age = 21.7 years, mean height = 167.2 cm and mean weight = 60.8 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups: functional training (FT) and traditional resistance training (TRT). Participants trained for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, for 75–90 min. Aerobic power, anaerobic power, speed, reaction time, agility, muscle power, dynamic balance, flexibility, upper and lower body muscle strength, core and upper body muscle endurance, and blood lactate level were measured before and after training programs.ResultsNon-significant differences were observed in all indicators between the FT and TRT groups (P > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in time-related outcomes except for fatigue and flexibility (P > 0.05). There was significant progress in both groups in aerobic power, muscle power, speed, agility, reaction time, lower body strength, upper body strength, dynamic balance of the right leg, and dynamic balance of the left leg indices from pre to post-tests. The FT group displayed significant improvement in peak power (P = 0.006) and mean power (P = 0.015) from pre- to post-test.ConclusionBoth interventions improved most biomotor abilities in elite female taekwondo athletes. It should be noted that since muscle power is vital for taekwondo, therefore, it is recommended to include FT in the taekwondo workout program.

Effectiveness of Functional Strength Training Exercises Versus Neurodynamic Exercises on Balance and Gait of Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Background: Diabetic neuropathy is one of the long-term complications of Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetic neuropathy symptoms include pain and numbness in the legs, feet and hands, causing decreased sensation, proprioception, reflexes, and strength in the lower extremities which affects balance and gait. Various interventions which are used by the physical therapist to minimize balance dysfunction and improve Gait in people with Diabetic Polyneuropathy. Approximately 50 percent of patients with diabetes will eventually develop neuropathy which leads to impairment in Balance and Gait. The Functional Strength Training improves the intermuscular and intramuscular synchronization through the neural control, thereby increases the muscle power by functional activities. Neurodynamic is the communication between different parts of the nervous system and mobilize the peripheral nervous system, it is a physical approach to the treatment of pain. This influences pain physiology via mechanical treatment of neural and the non-neural structures of the nervous system. Both Functional Strength Training and Neurodynamic exercises have influence on improving balance, gait and reduces the risk of fall. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of Functional strength training Versus Neurodynamic exercises on Balance and Gait of patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Methodology: 30 patients aged 40-80 years presenting with more than 7 years who were clinically diagnosed with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy were selected and assigned into two groups. Experimental group A received Functional Strength Training Exercises and Group B received Neurodynamic Exercises for 40 minutes, 5 days per week for a period of 4 weeks. Balance and Gait were assessed in terms of Berg Balance Scale and Functional Gait Assessment. Paired and unpaired ‘t-tests’ were used to determine significant differences in data among groups and between the groups. Results: A significant improvement in the values of Berg Balance Scale and Functional Gait Assessment was observed in Functional Strength Training Exercises as well as in Neurodynamic Exercises. Functional Strength Training Exercises showed statistically significant improvement in terms of BBS and FGA than the Neurodynamic Exercises. Conclusion: Both Functional Strength Training Exercises and Neurodynamic Exercises were found to improve the Balance and Gait in patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. However, the Functional Strength Training showed more significantly improvement in Balance and Gait subsequently reducing fall and fall risk injury.

The effect of Tuina based on the concept of hip-knee-ankle conjugation in patients with chronic ankle instability: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common sports injury disease and characterized by limited mobility, perceived instability and muscle weakness, combined treatment of hip-knee-ankle is a common rehabilitation method. Tuina, as a traditional Chinese manual therapy, is usually used for CAI, but many of them only focus on the local ankle joint rather than the combination of hip and knee joint. Therefore, we have designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effects of Tuina base on the concept of hip-knee-ankle conjugation on the stability and balance of lower limbs and ankle function in patients with CAI. We have designed a randomized controlled trial. A total of 72 participants with CAI will be randomly divided into functional training groups and hip-knee-ankle Tuina combined with functional training group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in control group will receive 8 sessions of functional training (30 min per session, twice a week for 4 weeks). Participants in intervention group will receive 8 sessions of Tuina combined with functional training (twice a week for 4 weeks). The primary outcomes include the Y-Balance Test (YBT) and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). The Secondary outcomes include the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and ankle range of motion (ROM). The outcome assessments will be conducted before the first intervention and after the last intervention. The aim of this study is to explore a safe and effective manipulation program and serve as reference for clinical treatment of CAI and expect to provide the necessary theoretical and practical support to our future research. Chinese Clinical Trail Registry ChiCTR2300068274.

Functional training improves peak oxygen consumption and quality of life of individuals with heart failure: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundFunctional training may be an effective non-pharmacological therapy for heart failure (HF). This study aimed to compare the effects of functional training with strength training on peak VO2 and quality of life in individuals with HF.MethodsA randomized, parallel-design and examiner-blinded controlled clinical trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. Twenty-seven participants with chronic HF were randomly allocated to functional or strength training group, to perform a 12-week physical training, three times per week, totalizing 36 sessions. Primary outcomes were the difference on peak VO2 and quality of life assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, respectively. Secondary outcomes included functionality assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index and gait speed test, peripheral and inspiratory muscular strength, assessed by hand grip and manovacuometry testing, respectively, endothelial function by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, and lean body mass by arm muscle circumference.ResultsParticipants were aged 60 ± 7 years, with left ventricular ejection fraction 29 ± 8.5%. The functional and strength training groups showed the following results, respectively: peak VO2 increased by 1.4 ± 3.2 (16.9 ± 2.9 to 18.6 ± 4.8 mL.kg−1.min−1; p time = 0.011) and 1.5 ± 2.5 mL.kg−1.min−1 (16.8 ± 4.0 to 18.6 ± 5.5 mL.kg−1.min−1; p time = 0.011), and quality of life score decreased by 14 ± 15 (25.8 ± 14.8 to 10.3 ± 7.8 points; p time = 0.001) and 12 ± 28 points (33.8 ± 23.8 to 19.0 ± 15.1 points; p time = 0.001), but no difference was observed between groups (peak VO2: p interaction = 0.921 and quality of life: p interaction = 0.921). The functional and strength training increased the activity status index by 6.5 ± 12 and 5.2 ± 13 points (p time = 0.001), respectively, and gait speed by 0.2 ± 0.3 m/s (p time = 0.002) in both groups.ConclusionsFunctional and strength training are equally effective in improving peak VO2, quality of life, and functionality in individuals with HF. These findings suggest that functional training may be a promising and innovative exercise-based strategy to treat HF.Trial registrationNCT03321682. Registered date: 26/10/2017.

Effects of a 12-Week Functional Training Program on the Strength and Power of Chinese Adolescent Tennis Players

Functional training is any type of training designed to improve a specific movement or activity for fitness or high performance sports. This study examined the effect of functional training on the strength and power of young tennis players. 40 male tennis players were assigned to the functional training group (n = 20; age, 16.7 ± 0.4 years) or the conventional training group (n = 20; age, 16.5 ± 0.6 years). The functional training group received three 60 min sessions per week for 12 weeks, while the conventional training group participated in three sessions per week of mono-strength exercise for 12 weeks. Strength and power were measured according to the International Tennis Federation protocol at baseline, 6 weeks after the intervention, and 12 weeks after the intervention. Both forms of training increased (p < 0.05) push-ups, wall squat test, over medicine ball throw, and standing long jump after 6 weeks of training, and the effect improved further as the 12-week mark approached. Except for the wall squat test (left) at 6 weeks, functional training showed no advantage over conventional training. After an additional 6 weeks of training, all measures of strength and power were better (p < 0.05) in the functional training group. Improvements in strength and power could occur after as little as 6 weeks of functional training, and 12-week functional training could outperform conventional training in male adolescent tennis players.

Impact of Functional Training on Functional Movement and Athletic Performance in College Dragon Boat Athletes.

Functional training has become a popular training method in different sports, yet limited studies have focused on paddle sports. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of functional training on functional movement and athletic performance in college dragon boat athletes. A total of 42 male athletes were divided into 2 groups: a functional training (FT) group (n = 21, 21 ± 1.47 years) and a regular training (RT) group (n = 21, 22 ± 1.50 years). The FT group participated in an 8-week (16-session) functional-training program, while the RT group trained with strength-training sessions. Functional movement screen (FMS), Y-balance test (YBT) and athletic performance evaluations were conducted before and after the intervention. Repeated measure ANOVA and t-test evaluations were employed to examine differences for both groups. The FT group was significantly improved in FMS scores (F = 0.191, p < 0.001) and YBT scores (F = 2.59, p = 0.027), and it also showed significantly improved muscular fitness (pull-ups: F = 0.127, p < 0.001; push-ups: F = 1.43, p < 0.001) and rowing speed (F = 4.37, p = 0.004). It is recommended to include functional training as a part of training and routine exercise, as it appears to be an effective way of improving FMS and athletic performance in paddle sports.

EFEITOS DO TREINAMENTO FUNCIONAL SOBRE A CAPACIDADE DE CONTROLE POSTURAL NOS DANÇARINOS ESPORTIVOS

ABSTRACT Introduction Functional training can improve athletes’ coordination and physical control. Some studies prove the improvement of the strength of the core muscles after functional training. However, the research that questions athletes’ dynamic balance submitted to functional training is inconclusive. Objective To analyze the methods of postural control and the impact of functional training on sports dancers. Methods Young sports dancers were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. Both groups performed traditional fitness training, and a functional training protocol was added to the experimental group. Mathematical statistics were employed in the comparative analysis of the fitness of the two groups of athletes before and after training. Results The athletes in the functional training group rapidly achieved postural control ability, with high statistical relevance(P&lt;0.05). Conclusion Athletes need to adopt a scientific and systematic training plan when performing sports dance training. The establishment of the test indexes for postural control ability in athletes can be diversified. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies – Investigating the results.

Satisfaction and Adherence of COPD Patients to a Conventional Training Associated with Functional Exercises and to a Conventional Training Isolated: A Qualiquantitative Study.

PurposeTo verify, through quali-quantitative analysis, the satisfaction and adherence of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to the insertion of functional circuit training into conventional training.Patients and Methods23 patients with COPD from a randomized clinical trial were invited to participate in a quali-quantitative analysis after the training finalization, divided into FTG (Functional Training Group) and CTG (Conventional Training Group). A total of 21 patients participated [(FTG: n=10; 65.80±7.31 years; FEV1/FVC: 56.44±12.67%) and CTG (n=11; 70.36±7.02 years; FEV1/FVC: 55.89±8.20)]. For the qualitative evaluation, focus groups were performed, using a previously developed script. Adherence was verified by the presence in the training sessions that were prescribed, and the quantitative analysis was performed using questionnaires with multiple-choice questions (evaluation of the aspects that can interfere in a training). The participants were asked to define a grade between zero and ten regarding the aspects of the training (satisfaction).ResultsIn both groups, there was similar adherence (p=0.965) and satisfaction (p=0.341). The qualitative analysis identified seven themes and 17 codes, representing factors related to satisfaction and negative aspects, as follows: factors associated with satisfaction: self-efficacy management, physical and psychosocial improvement, interpersonal relationships, and proposed exercises. Negative aspects: pains, comorbidities, beliefs, and personal demotivation. In the quantitative analysis, was verified that an increase in the symptoms, the distance between home and training center, and personal problems were not factors that interfered in the adherence of the participants (p<0.05).ConclusionSimilar satisfaction and adherence of patients with COPD were observed in the FTG and CTG and patients from FTG reported higher fatigue.