Functional Training Intervention Research Articles

Impact of Functional Training on Sprinting Performance of College Sports Majors

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between functional training and sprinting performance. The students majoring in physical education in colleges and universities are taken as the research object, An 8-week training experiment was carried out to compare the changes in FMS test and sprinting performance of the subjects before and after the experimental intervention. The results show that after the functional training intervention, all the test indicators of the subjects have been improved in different amplitude, which reflects the role of functional training in special sprinting training, proves the effectiveness of functional training in specific people, and provides a theoretical basis and realistic path for grassroots sprinting training.

Evaluation on the Level of Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Functional Training VIS-À-VIS Sprint Performance of College Track and Field Athletes

This study selected 56 sprint student-athletes from the track and field team of Hechi University in Guangxi, China, as test subjects. Before the experiment, all athletes were assessed with the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test, and a detailed analysis and comparison of the athletes' FMS scores were conducted from an objective perspective. After 12 weeks of functional training intervention, a second FMS test assessment was carried out on the participating athletes. The survey results showed that before the training, the movement quality and functional movement ability of the student-athletes were average. Among them, the scores for core stability, lower limb explosive power, and multi-joint movement tests were evaluated as 3 points, showing excellent core stability and lower limb strength. However, the scores for agility, upper limb coordination, and the 100-meter test were rated as 2, which was average. Before and after training, the overall average score of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) for the student-athlete respondents increased from 15.4500 to 18.1786, and the t-value was -14.140, indicating a significant difference in functional movement levels before and after training. Participants showed noticeable improvements in flexibility, stability, and overall movement quality after the training intervention. Data from the 100-meter test showed that the average score before training was 2.3571 and post-training was 2.9464, with a calculated t-value of -8.883, indicating a significant difference in sprint performance before and after the training. Therefore, introducing this new theory of FMS into future sprint teaching and training practice can not only help correct athletes' physical function deficits and cultivate correct movement patterns, but it can also serve as an effective complement to track and field training methods, providing a theoretical basis for scientifically-informed coaching.

Effects of functional training on muscle strength, jumping, and functional movement screen in wushu athletes: A systematic review

ObjectiveThis study aims to analyse the effects of functional training on muscle strength, jumping, and functional movement screen in wushu athletes. Methods: This study followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A systematic search of electronic databases was also conducted, including EBSCOhost, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Google Scholar, and Wanfang. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was an effective indicator to evaluate the quality of studies included in the systematic review. Results: This systematic review included 474 participants aged 8–24 years old. The intervention period for most studies was 12 weeks. Among the included studies, 6 focused on muscle strength, 4 on jumping performance, and 11 on functional movement screen. Conclusion: These articles have been analysed, and the positive impact of functional training interventions on muscle strength, jumping, and functional movement screen of wushu athletes has been verified.

The Effect of a 12-Week Physical Functional Training-Based Physical Education Intervention on Students’ Physical Fitness—A Quasi-Experimental Study

Children have received much attention in recent years, as many studies have shown that their physical fitness level is on the decline. Physical education, as a compulsory curriculum, can play a monumental role in contributing to students' participation in physical activities and the enhancement of their physical fitness. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of a 12-week physical functional training intervention program on students' physical fitness. A total of 180 primary school students (7-12 years) were invited to participate in this study, 90 of whom participated in physical education classes that included 10 min of physical functional training, and the remaining 90 were in a control group that participated in traditional physical education classes. After 12 weeks, the 50-m sprint (F = 18.05, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.09), timed rope skipping (F = 27.87, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.14), agility T-test (F = 26.01, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.13), and standing long jump (F = 16.43, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.08) were all improved, but not the sit-and-reach (F = 0.70, p = 0.405). The results showed that physical education incorporating physical functional training can effectively promote some parameters of students' physical fitness, while at the same time providing a new and alternative idea for improving students' physical fitness in physical education.

Eight-Week Functional Training with Ascending AMRAP Model and FOR TIME Constant Load Model to Increase Abdominal Muscle Strength and Maximal Oxygen Consumption Levels in Adolescent Males

The study purpose was to investigate the effect of functional training with the ascending AMRAP model and with the FOR TIME constant load model on increasing abdominal muscle strength and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in adolescent males.&#x0D; Materials and methods. This study used the True-Experimental method with the research design of the Randomized Control Group Pretest-Posttest Design. A total of 21 adolescent males aged 18–21, body mass index (BMI) 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, normal blood pressure, normal resting heart rate, normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) participated in this study and were divided into three groups, namely CTRLG (n = 7; control group), FSTAG (n = 7; ascending AMRAP functional training group), and FSTFG (n = 7; FOR TIME constant load functional training group). Both the ascending AMRAPfunctional training and the FOR TIME constant load functional training interventions were carried out with a frequency of 3 times/week for 8 weeks. Statistical analysis used the one-way ANOVA test with the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 21.&#x0D; Results. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the mean delta (Δ) increase in abdominal muscle strength (p ≤ 0.05). The mean delta (Δ) increase in VO2max also showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions. Based on the results of the study, it was shown that the administration of functional training intervention with the ascending AMRAP model and functional training intervention with the FOR TIME constant load model which was carried out 3 times/week for 8 weeks increased abdominal muscle strength and maximal oxygen consumption levels.

Feasibility evaluation of a dual-mode ankle exoskeleton to assist and restore community ambulation in older adults.

Age-related deficits in plantar flexor muscle function during the push-off phase of walking likely contribute to the decline in mobility that affects many older adults. Isolated strengthening of the plantar flexor muscles has failed to improve push-off power or walking economy in this population. New mobility aids and/or functional training interventions may help slow or prevent ambulatory decline in the elderly. The overarching objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of using an untethered, dual-mode ankle exoskeleton for treating walking disability in the elderly; testing the device in assistance mode as a mobility aid to reduce energy consumption, and as a resistive gait training tool to facilitate functional recruitment of the plantar flexor muscles. We recruited 6 older adults between the ages of 68 to 83 years to evaluate the feasibility of the dual-mode exoskeleton across two visits. On the first visit, we quantified acute metabolic and neuromuscular adaption to ankle exoskeleton assistance during walking in older adults, and subsequently determined if higher baseline energy cost was related to an individual's potential to benefit from untethered assistance. On the second visit, we validated the potential for push-off phase ankle resistance combined with plantar pressure biofeedback to facilitate functional utilization of the ankle plantar flexors during walking. We also conducted a twelve-session ankle resistance training protocol with one pilot participant to explore the effects of gait training with wearable ankle resistance on mobility and plantar flexor strength. Participants reached the lowest net metabolic power, soleus variance ratio, and soleus iEMG at 6.6 ± 1.6, 19.8 ± 1.6, and 5.8 ± 4.9 minutes, respectively, during the 30-minute exoskeleton assistance adaptation trial. Four of five participants exhibited a reduction (up to 19%) in metabolic power during walking with assistance relative to baseline, but there was no group-level change. Participants who had greater baseline metabolic power exhibited a greater reduction during walking with assistance. Walking with resistance increased stance-phase soleus iEMG by 18 - 186% and stance-phase average positive ankle power by 9 - 88% compared to baseline. Following ankle resistance gait training, the participant exhibited a 5% increase in self-selected walking speed, a 15% increase in fast walking speed, a 36% increase in 6-min-walk-test distance, and a 31% increase in plantar flexor strength compared to pre-intervention measurements. Our results suggest that dual-mode ankle exoskeletons appear highly applicable to treating plantar flexor dysfunction in the elderly, with assistance holding potential as a mobility aid and resistance holding potential as a functional gait training tool. We used an untethered design to maximize the relevance of this for informing the design of intervention studies that may take place at home and in the community to improve mobility and quality of life in older adults. Future studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to expand on the results of this feasibility investigation.

Firefighters Cardiorespiratory Fitness Parameters after 24 Weeks of Functional Training with and without Personal Protective Equipment

Abstract Introduction Firefighters’ (FFs) cardiorespiratory fitness is considered an important capacity for workability. To successfully complete safety standards and rescue protocols, FFs are required to accomplish minimum values of relative VO2max. Physical fitness programs for FFs must take into consideration physiological demands, being essential not only for professional tasks but also as a guarantee of their personal safety. This research aimed to investigate the influence of specific functional training (FT) with and without personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) on the FFs’ cardiorespiratory fitness. Material and methods Sixty FFs were randomly allocated in three groups (EG1 training with PPE+SCBA; EG2 training with regular fitness equipment and the control group) and enrolled for a 24-week (two sessions/week) FT intervention program. FFs were assessed in anthropometric and 12-minute Cooper test, pre and post-intervention. Results Both training groups demonstrated significant improvements from baseline to post intervention EG1 VO2max (39.8 ± 6.5ml.kg−1.min−1 and 41.2 ± 5.6ml.kg−1.min−1, p &lt; 0.001, +3.5%; EG2 VO2max 41.5 ± 8.3ml.kg−1.min−1 and 42.5 ± 7.5ml.kg−1.min−1, p &lt; 0.05, +2.4%). Conclusions The proposed FT intervention, considering the provided equipment in all fire departments, and even without running tasks, seems to be adequate for developing FFs’ VO2max. Regular FT with PPE+SCAB must be encouraged to improve adequate VO2max and fitness levels related to firefighting specific tasks.

Functional Training in Portuguese Firefighters: Impact of Functional Training With or Without Personal Protective Equipment.

To investigate the influence of specific functional training (FT) with and without personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), on firefighters (FFs) physical fitness condition. Sixty FFs run a 24 weeks intervention, divided into three groups (EG1 training with PPE+SCBA; EG2 training with regular equipment, and Control Group). FFs anthropometric and physical fitness (PF) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Significant differences were found between the training groups and control group. Both training groups interventions were effective in improving PF and lean mass. However, EG1 presented a higher percentage of improvement. This 24-week FT intervention improved participants' muscle strength, endurance, and power, and it led to increases in lean body mass. Regularly FT with PPE+SCBA helps FFs maintain a healthy general physical condition and develop optimum fitness levels related to firefighting specific tasks, specially torso muscular endurance.

"To do or not to do": Treatment fidelity to a complex training intervention.

When a complex intervention is examined it is viewed necessary to perform a qualitative process evaluation paired with an outcome evaluation. The purpose is to provide insights into the fidelity of the experimental intervention and thereby strengthen the validity of the study. In "Recovery after hip fracture" (the HIPFRAC study), the effect of a complex functional training intervention was examined by a randomized controlled trial design. The training was initiated by the physiotherapist and performed by the nurses/nurse assistants (NAs), as part of their daily, habitual routine when the patients with hip fracture were in a short-term stay after discharge from hospital. The aim of the present process evaluation was to explore how contextual factors facilitated or complicated the nurses'/NAs' fidelity to the experimental intervention in the HIPFRAC study. A descriptive thematic analysis was used. Data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with three nurses and three NAs working with the HIPFRAC patients in a short-term stay. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Six subthemes, two main themes and one overall theme were identified. The overall theme was: Barriers affecting the implementation process. The main themes related to the barriers were identified as follows: (1) Attitudes within the nurses/NAs and (2) Structural factors. The nurses/NAs in the short-term stay experienced contextual barriers, which contributed to complicate fidelity to the experimental intervention. There is a need of further research to investigate whether increased physiotherapy resources at short-term stay will improve the level of physical activity among the patients with hip fracture.

Functional training added to intradialytic cycling lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and improves dialysis adequacy: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundExercise has various positive effects on hemodialysis patients. However, there is no clear evidence which type of exercise yields better results. This study aimed to determine the effects of guided functional training added to the intradialytic cycling on dialysis adequacy and biochemical parameters in hemodialysis patients. Additionally, we aimed to investigate if patients could transfer functional exercise to an unsupervised home environment and retain gained improvements.MethodsRandomization was done to a functional training intervention group (INT) (n = 20) or intradialytic cycling control group (CON) (n = 20). The INT attended a pre-dialysis functional training in the first 8 weeks. In the second 8 weeks, they performed functional exercises at unsupervised home environment on non-dialysis days. During the whole study, both groups participated in the intradialytic cycling program.ResultsBoth groups demonstrated a significant increase in dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) in the eight (0.15, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.24; p = 0.003 for INT and 0.21, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.3; p < 0.001 for CON) and the 16th study week (0.13, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.24; p = 0.017 for INT and 0.13, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.22; p = 0.013 for CON) compared to their baseline values with no significant between-group differences. At week eight, the total cholesterol was significantly lowered in the INT (− 0.34 mmol/L, 95% CI − 0.6 to − 0.07; p = 0.016) and remained lower at week 16 (− 0.32 mmol/L, 95% CI − 0.64 to − 0.01; p = 0.049) with no significant changes in the CON. Low-density lipoprotein levels in the INT were significantly reduced after 8 weeks (− 0.35 mmol/L, 95% CI − 0.64 to − 0.06; p = 0.022) and remained reduced after 16 weeks (− 0.28 mmol/L, 95% CI − 0.52 to − 0.03; p = 0.030). There were no significant differences found for albumin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and hemoglobin in both groups.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that functional training added to intradialytic cycling improved lipid profile and dialysis adequacy. Additionally, the effects of the unsupervised, home-based program were preserved during the second study phase. This study supports the assumption that combined training is more effective compared to solely intradialytic exercise.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.Gov, NCT03334123. Registered 07 November 2017.

Pelvic Floor Function, Core Stability And Aerobic Capacity In Postpartum Women Following Functional Training

After pregnancy and delivery, dysfunctions, such as alterations in pelvic floor function (PFF), core stability (CS), and aerobic capacity (AC), are common in postpartum women. PURPOSE: To observe the differences in PFF, CS, and AC in postpartum women before and after an 8-week functional training program. METHODS: Sixteen postpartum women (age: 32±3.0years, ≤ 1 year post-delivery) completed an 8-week functional training intervention (60 minutes each time, 4 times per week). The functional training including pelvic floor muscle bio-feedback training, T-spine mobility exercise, breathing exercises and inner core activation. Before and after the intervention, a pelvic floor bio-feedback test (PFBFT) was used to assess PFF, a Y-balance test (YBT) and a abdomen muscle endurance test (AMET) were used to assess the CS, and a 3-minute step test (ST) were used to assess the AC. During the YBT, values on three directions (A-anterior, PM-posteromedial, and PL-posterolateral) bilaterally were we measured. And, during the AME, three muscle groups (F-Flexor, E-Extensor and bilateral lateral flexor-LFL&LFR) were recorded. Paired t-tests were used to compare the pre- and post-intervention values of all variables. RESULTS: There were significant differences in pre- and post-intervention values of all variables in these postpartum women following 8-week functional training. Specifically, the PFBFT composite score was improved by 33.8% (p<0.01), the YBT scores for the directions of AL, PL, PMR, PLL and PLR were improved by 13.4%, 13.2%, 7.1% 13.5%, and 8.5%, respectively (all p<0.01), the AMET scores for abdomen E, F, LFL and LFR were improved by 56.6%, 30%, 26.5% and 30.1%, respectively (all p<0.01), and the ST score was improved by 19.9% (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An 8-week functional training program, improved PFF, AC and CS in postpartum women. Future randomized, controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.

La "cultura matricentrica" come possibile limite per la progettualitá di vita: quanto è importante il ruolo dei genitori?

The purpose of this work is to analyze the influence of psychological variables and the family environment in theformation ofentrepreneurial intentions. In thecurrentsociety ofchange,characterized byan expansion of training time and a constantly changing working environment, parenting models are configured as fundamental variables, for understanding the processes that lead to self-determination and to become competently active actors.In accordance with the specialist literature, this can take place in relation to the so-called “matricentrism”: a socio-anthropological phenomenon characterized by protection and security that can negatively influence the acquisition of autonomy and the ability of the subject to act. This seems to be a limit: in general, in relation to the needs of modern society, which requires flexible identities and the ability to project itself into the future in a “constructively active” way; in particular, with regard to the orientation to do business understood as “a mental state, motivation and ability to produce new value” (COM, 2003, p.6). The first results of this research, conducted with 347 students of the Economics Department of the University of Catania, seem in many ways interesting. In general, in fact, the educational functions of the mother and father are characterized by ambivalence: a discreet orientation of both the “block” and the “support”. In particular, the support received from the father is positively linked to the entrepreneurial intention; the perceived support of the mother is linked to innovation and change. The analysis also shows a significant effect of openness to innovation/change and risk appetite on the intention to undertake. The results can contribute to the understanding of the psychosocial processes that refer to the difficulties that characterize the “reality of change” and to the development of functional training interventions to “build autonomy” and which aim to live the uncertainties in the interpretation of the role and to the “orientation to do business”

Effect of 12-Week Functional Training Intervention on the Speed of Young Footballers.

The aim of the research was to verify the functional state of young football players using selected tests of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) protocol, as well as the impact of the 12 weeks of functional training on the speed parameters. The research was conducted on 20 highly competitive young (U17) football players. Research project was conducted in two stages: in the first part of the study, the functional assessment was made by using the FMS test, then the measurement of the speed parameters was done with the Microgate photocells system. Results showed a significant improvement in the functional state of young football players: FMS 1 (45.2% of difference, p = 0.004), FMS 2 (24.3% of difference, p = 0.012), FMS 3 (48.5% of difference, p = 0.001). After the functional training program, there was also an improvement in the parameters of the acceleration and velocity: acceleration between 5–10 m and speed between 10–30 m shows significant improvement (expressed during covering a given distance) of the footballers, amounting to 0.02 s (2.4%) and 0.04 s (1.5%). But there was no improvement in acceleration between 0–5 m. An appropriate training schedule, based on FMS results, should be adopted in the annual training program to improve basic motor skills of the football players and minimize their injuries.

Falls and Physical Activity in Persons With Mild to Moderate Dementia Participating in an Intensive Motor Training: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Physical activity is beneficial in people with dementia. As physical activity increases risk exposure for falls, safety concerns arise. Prior exercise trials in people with dementia have not measured physical activity. Falls in relation to exposure time rather than person-years as outcome measure has been promoted but not investigated in people with dementia. Patients with mild to moderate dementia (n=110) were randomized to an intensive, progressive strength and functional training intervention or to a low-intensity group training for 12 weeks each. Physical activity was measured with a standardized questionnaire. Falls were documented prospectively by calendars for 12 months. During the intervention, physical activity was significantly higher in the intervention group (P<0.001) without an increased fall rate (intervention group vs. 2.89 vs. 1.94; incidence rate ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-3.36; P=0.333). In the subgroup of multiple fallers, the number of falls per 1000 hours of activity was significantly lower in the intervention group (8.85 vs. 18.67; P=0.017). Increased physical activity during exercise intervention was safe in people with mild to moderate dementia. Fall rate adjusted for physical activity is a useful and sensitive outcome measure in addition to fall rate per person-years.

Are Fundamental Movement Patterns Affected by Functional Training in Youth Male Soccer Players

Introduction: Appropriate movement patterns are important for both injury prevention and athletic performance. Therefore, the use of Functional Movement Screen (FMS), which has been shown to be effective in predicting sport injuries, is recommended by many sports specialists in designing training programs. On the other hand, questions remain regarding its utility as a means to evaluate the effectiveness of training. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether a functional training program can affect the fundamental movement patterns. Materials and Methods: The study participants consisted of 27 youth male soccer players in the age range of 14 to 16 years and free from pain and previous injury in different layers. The subjects were allocated to experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed functional training for 10 weeks. The total time devoted to training was the same in both groups. Before and after the functional training, FMS was evaluated in both groups. Independent t-test and ANCOVA were used for statistical analysis at the significance level of P < 0.05. Results: A significant difference was observed in FMS score between experimental group (18.07 ± 1.49) and control group (16.07 ± 1.11) (P < 0.001; Effect size = 0.71). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that fundamental movement patterns improved as a result of a functional training intervention in youth male soccer players. Therefore, coaches and sports specialists can be recommended to pay special attention to functional training. The investigation of the effect of functional training on other injury risk factors in future studies seems necessary.

The Effects of Functional Training on Pain, Function, and Performance in Taekwondo Players with Mechanical Low Back Pain

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of functional training (FT) on pain, function, and performance in elite male taekwondo players with CMLBP. Method: 27 elite male taekwondo players (mean ± standard deviation: age 24.4 ± 4.9 years, body mass 75.7 ± 15.1 kg, height 181.4 ± 7.8 cm) were allocated to two experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 12) groups. The eight-week FT was divided into four distinct phases for the subjects of the experimental group. Variables of pain and function were assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. The movement time of Ap Douliou Chagi kick (MTAK) and speed of Ap Douliou Chagi kick (SAK) was used for the variable of performance. Results: Considering the results of pretest before the implementation of the scores protocol, after FT intervention, VAS (p = 0.004), ODI (p = 0.005), MTAK on the right leg (p = 0.029) and the left leg (p = 0.013) decreased and SAK on both legs (p = 0.000) increased significantly in comparison with the control group. Conclusion: It is assumed that FT can reduce the pain intensity and improve the function and performance in taekwondo players.

Resting cardiac autonomic activity and body composition following a 16-week high-intensity functional training intervention in women: A pilot study

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is an increasingly popular mixed modal high-intensity training style with little empirical evidence regarding adaptations. The objective of this study was to examine alterations in resting cardiac autonomic activity through the measurement of heart rate variability (HRV) and body composition in women following 16-weeks of HIFT. Nine apparently healthy females (35.8 ± 9.3 years old) participated in this study. Resting heart rate (RHR), HRV, and body composition measures were collected pre and post 16-weeks of the HIFT intervention. The markers of HRV used were the Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD) and High-Frequency (HF) power. Body composition markers used were body fat percentage (BF%) and body mass (BM). A natural log transformation (ln) was applied to HRV markers prior to analysis. Paired sample t-test showed significant reductions in post RHR (p = 0.018) and BF% (p = 0.012). However, no significant changes were observed in post lnRMSSD (p = 0.501), lnHF (p = 0.760), or BM (p = 0.285). 16-weeks of HIFT was not sufficient to alter makers of HRV. Importantly, the participation in 16-weeks of HIFT elicited improvements in basic health measures (RHR and BF%) in recreationally active females.

Resting Vagal Tone Following a 16-Week High-Intensity Functional Training Intervention

Resting Vagal Tone Following a 16-Week High-Intensity Functional Training Intervention

Effects of an Acute Sensorimotor and Neurological Training Intervention on Knee Flexor Performance in Females

Sensorimotor failure of the dynamic stabilizers is implicated in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury of the knee. The dose of training required to elicit a biologically meaningful improvement in sensorimotor performance (SMP) is unknown. Novel dynamic SMP assessment tasks have not been previously used to assess the effects of training. PURPOSE: To assess the effects of an intensive functional training intervention on dynamic SMP and neuromuscular performance (NMP) of the knee flexors in females. METHODS: Twelve females (22 ±1.8 yrs) were randomly assigned to a control (CON) [n=5] or experimental (EXP) [n=7] group. The EXP group trained their non-preferred limb (NPL) using six exercises for six sessions a week over two weeks. SMP (constant error (CE) arising from a 'slow' and 'fast' force reproduction task of 50% peak force (PF)) and NMP (PF) were assessed pre and post intervention using a single leg intervention (NPL) contra-lateral control model. The NPL was also assessed pre and post intervention following a single bout of induced fatigue (EXP/CON). Time by limb by group comparisons were made using separate three-way mixed model ANOVA's for PF and CE (expressed as a % of the target force). Three-way mixed model ANOVAs, with repeated measures on time and occasion with group as a between subjects factor were used to evaluate the effects of the intervention on PF and CE during fatigue (NPL only). RESULTS: No significant changes were seen for PF or CE in the CON group across time (p>0.05). In the EXP group, PF was not significantly altered in the NPL from pre to post intervention at rest (196.6 ±43.0 vs. 224.4 ± 74.1 N, p>0.05) or following fatigue (185.9± 39.0 vs. 201.2 ± 67.8 N, p>0.05). CE was not significantly altered in the NPL (EXP group) from pre to post intervention at rest for the slow task (-4.1± 23.6 vs. 2.0 ± 22.2, p>0.05) or the fast task (-9.4 ± 19.1 vs. -5.8 ± 14.2, p>0.05) and was not significantly altered in the NPL from pre to post intervention during fatigue for the slow task (2.0 ± 22.2 vs. 13.3 ± 21.3, p>0.05) or the fast task (-5.8 ± 14.2 vs. -13± 18.5, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No significant alteration to SMP or NMP of the knee flexors was seen at rest or during fatigue following a two-week intensive training intervention in the NPL of females. A greater dose of training may be needed to enhance dynamic stabilization of the knee flexors.

Functional vs. Strength Training in Disabled Elderly Outpatients

To determine whether high-intensity functional training (FT) or strength training (ST) better enables impairment, disability, and functional gains among disabled community-dwelling elders. Randomized, blinded, prospective clinical trial in a large, tertiary care outpatient rehabilitation department. Fifteen elders (62-85 yrs old) referred for physical therapy with one or more impairments, including lower-limb arthritis, participated in 6 wks of FT (weekly outpatient and three to five times per week of home practice in rapid and correct execution of locomotor activities of daily living, including gait, stepping, and sit to stand) or progressive resistive ST using elastic bands with intensity, therapist contact, and home practice similar to those of FT. Both groups significantly improved their combined lower-extremity strength (hip abduction, ankle dorsiflexion, knee flexion, ankle plantarflexion, and knee extension) (P = 0.003), but no statistical difference between the ST and FT group gains (P = 0.203) was found. Subjects in both interventions improved their gait speed, but the FT group improved more than the ST group (P = 0.001). During chair rise, the FT group improved their maximum knee torque more than the ST group (P = 0.033), indicating that they employed a more controlled and efficient movement strategy. These data suggest that an intensive FT intervention results in strength improvements of comparable magnitude as those attained from ST and that FT also confers greater improvements in dynamic balance control and coordination while performing daily life tasks.