High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): Definition and Research Implications for Improved Fitness

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) is an exercise modality that emphasizes functional, multi-joint movements that can be modified to any fitness level and elicit greater muscle recruitment than more traditional exercise. As a relatively new training modality, HIFT is often compared to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yet the two are distinct. HIIT exercise is characterized by relatively short bursts of repeated vigorous activity, interspersed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise for recovery, while HIFT utilizes constantly varied functional exercises and various activity durations that may or may not incorporate rest. Over the last decade, studies evaluating the effectiveness of HIIT programs have documented improvements in metabolic and cardiorespiratory adaptations; however, less is known about the effects of HIFT. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a working definition of HIFT and review the available literature regarding its use to improve metabolic and cardiorespiratory adaptations in strength and conditioning programs among various populations. Additionally, we aim to create a definition that is used in future publications to evaluate more effectively the future impact of this type of training on health and fitness outcomes.

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Definition of actual fitness terms: high-intensity functional training, high-intensity interval training, functional training, circuit training, CrossFit®

Tělesná kultura ◽

10.5507/tk.2021.005 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 44 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Petr Schlegel

Keyword(s):

High Intensity ◽

Interval Training ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Circuit Training ◽

Functional Training ◽

High Intensity Interval ◽

Definition Of

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Analysis of Biomarkers in Response to High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): A Systematic Review Study

Archives of Current Research International ◽

10.9734/acri/2021/v21i330237 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 59-72

Author(s):

Douglas Daniel Costa Santiago ◽

Jaqueline Santos Silva Lopes ◽

Aníbal Monteiro de Magalhães Neto ◽

Claudia Marlise Balbinotti Andrade

Keyword(s):

Muscle Damage ◽

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

High Intensity ◽

Clinical Trial Design ◽

Interval Training ◽

Serum Testosterone ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Blood Biomarkers ◽

Functional Training ◽

High Intensity Interval

Introduction: Aerobic training with an acyclic and intermittent character triggers high metabolic stress, responsible for generating alterations in several blood biomarkers. Thus, investigations that clarify understanding of metabolic behavior in response to exercise seem pertinent, when considering the dynamics of prescription of physical training and recovery. Objective: Demonstrate and discuss the behavior of blood biomarkers in response to High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT). Methods: The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scielo, Lilacs, Bireme, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were searched from the oldest records available until January 16, 2020. The search was carried out by combining descriptors related to the terms: “HIIT”, “HIFT”, and “blood biomarkers”. To be included, studies were required to: 1) have a clinical trial design; 2) evaluate the effects of an HIIT and/or HIFT protocol; and 3) measure blood biomarkers before and after the training protocol. No restrictions were applied to the characteristics of the participants regarding health condition, age, sex, and level of training. Results: In total, seven studies were included (n=221 participants, aged between 18 and 63 years) that analyzed different population profiles such as athletes, sedentary young people, patients with breast cancer, and diabetics. The biomarkers evaluated included analysis of muscle damage (C Reactive protein and CK); oxidative stress (antioxidant capacity); kidney injury (creatinine and urea); hormones (testosterone and cortisol); cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-4, and IF-γ); and hemogram. In general, the results demonstrated specific patterns for the investigated markers. Thus, there were increases in muscle damage markers, while in the inflammatory markers, there was a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. Despite the reduced values of the general blood count, markers such as neutrophils and basophils did not demonstrate statistically significant alterations. Serum testosterone levels were higher and cortisol was lower in the post-exercise period when compared to pre-exercise. Conclusion: These data are of practical relevance when demonstrating patterns of physiological responses, which also characterize knowledge and understanding essential to determine adequate periodization.

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The effect of fitness level on cardiac autonomic regulation, IL-6, total antioxidant capacity, and muscle damage responses to a single bout of high-intensity interval training

Journal of Sport and Health Science ◽

10.1016/j.jshs.2016.11.001 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 363-371 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Lukas Cipryan

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Capacity ◽

High Intensity ◽

Total Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Interval Training ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Fitness Level ◽

Cardiac Autonomic Regulation ◽

Single Bout ◽

Total Antioxidant ◽

High Intensity Interval

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Affective responses during high-intensity functional training compared to high-intensity interval training and moderate continuous training.

Sport Exercise and Performance Psychology ◽

10.1037/spy0000159 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 115-127 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Katie M. Heinrich ◽

Derek A. Crawford ◽

Blake R. Johns ◽

Jacob Frye ◽

Katelyn E. O. Gilmore

Keyword(s):

High Intensity ◽

Interval Training ◽

Affective Responses ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Continuous Training ◽

Functional Training ◽

High Intensity Interval ◽

Moderate Continuous Training

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Is There Any Non-functional Training? A Conceptual Review

Frontiers in Sports and Active Living ◽

10.3389/fspor.2021.803366 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

Author(s):

Bernardo N. Ide ◽

Amanda P. Silvatti ◽

Moacir Marocolo ◽

Clarcson P. C. Santos ◽

Bruno V. C. Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Training ◽

High Intensity ◽

Training Programs ◽

Interval Training ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Functional Fitness ◽

Functional Training ◽

Traditional Training ◽

High Intensity Interval ◽

Fitness Training

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.

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Is There Any Non-functional Training? A Conceptual Review

10.20944/preprints202110.0426.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Bernardo N. Ide ◽

Amanda P. Silvatti ◽

Moacir Marocolo ◽

Clarcson P.C. Santos ◽

Bruno V.C. Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endurance Training ◽

Physical Training ◽

High Intensity ◽

Training Programs ◽

Interval Training ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Functional Fitness ◽

Functional Training ◽

Sports Science ◽

High Intensity Interval

This conceptual review aimed to investigate whether "functional training" (FT) programs are different from traditional strength, power, flexibility, and endurance training programs. A search for the twenty most recent papers published involving FT was performed in the PubMed/Medline database. Definition, concepts, benefits, and the exercises employed in FT programs were analyzed. The main results were: 1) there is no agreement about a universal definition for FT; 2) FT programs aim at developing the same benefits already induced by traditional strength, power, flexibility, and endurance training programs; 3) exercises employed are also the same. The inability to define FT makes differentiation 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 proper description and classification may improve communication in sports science and improve interdisciplinary integration. Aiming to avoid confusion and misconceptions, and based on the current evidence, we recommend that the terms FT, high-intensity FT, and functional fitness training no longer describe any physical training program.

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