scholarly journals The Multimodal Nature of High-Intensity Functional Training: Potential Applications to Improve Sport Performance

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joao Falk Neto ◽  
Michael Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Anaerobic Capacity ◽  
Metabolic Stress ◽  
Sport Performance ◽  
Muscular Endurance ◽  
Functional Training ◽  
Training Strategy ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
And Performance

Training for sports performance requires the development of multiple fitness components within the same program. In this context, training strategies that have the potential to concomitantly enhance metabolic and musculoskeletal fitness are of great value for athletes and coaches. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the current studies on high-intensity functional training (HIFT) and to assess how HIFT could be utilized in order to improve sport-specific performance. Studies on untrained and recreationally-active participants have led to positive results on aerobic power and anaerobic capacity, and muscular endurance, while results on muscular strength and power are less clear. Still, HIFT sessions can elicit high levels of metabolic stress and resistance training exercises are prescribed with parameters that can lead to improvements in muscular endurance, hypertrophy, strength, and power. As similar training interventions have been shown to be effective in the athletic population, it is possible that HIFT could be a time-efficient training intervention that can positively impact athletes’ performances. While the potential for improvements in fitness and performance with HIFT is promising, there is a clear need for controlled studies that employ this training strategy in athletes in order to assess its effectiveness in this population.

A Comparison of High Intensity Functional Training and Circuit Training on Health and Performance Variables in Women: A Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina Sobrero ◽  
Scott Arnett ◽  
Mark Schafer ◽  
Whitley Stone ◽  
T. A. Tolbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Anaerobic Capacity ◽  
Stair Climbing ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Circuit Training ◽  
Functional Training ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Capacity Flexibility

High intensity functional training (HIFT) emphasizes constantly varied, high intensity, functional activity by programming strength and conditioning exercises, gymnastics, Olympic weightlifting, and specialty movements. Conversely, traditional circuit training (TCT) programs aim to improve muscular fitness by utilizing the progressive overload principle, similar movements weekly, and specified work-to-rest ratios. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if differences exist in health and performance measures in women participating in HIFT or TCT after a six-week training program. Recreationally active women were randomly assigned to a HIFT (n = 8, age 26.0 + 7.3 yrs) or TCT (n = 11, age 26.3 + 9.6 yrs) group. Participants trained three days a week for six weeks with certified trainers. Investigators examined body composition (BC), aerobic and anaerobic capacity, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, power, and agility. Repeated-measures ANOVA were used for statistical analyses with an alpha level of 0.05. Both groups increased body mass (p = .011), and improved muscular endurance (p < .000), upper body strength (p = .007), lower body power (p = .029) and agility (p = .003). In addition, the HIFT group decreased body fat (BF) %, while the TCT group increased BF% (p = .011). No changes were observed in aerobic or anaerobic capacity, flexibility, upper body power, or lower body stair climbing power. Newer, high intensity functional exercise programs such as HIFT may have better results on BC and similar effects when compared with TCT programs on health and fitness variables such as musculoskeletal strength and performance.

scholarly journals Body Composition And Anaerobic Capacity In High Intensity Functional Training Athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (8S) ◽  
pp. 32-32
Author(s):  
Tomás Ponce-García ◽  
José Ramón Alvero-Cruz ◽  
Jerónimo García-Romero ◽  
Javier Benítez-Porres
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Anaerobic Capacity ◽  
Functional Training

A Systematic Review of CrossFit® Workouts and Dietary and Supplementation Interventions to Guide Nutritional Strategies and Future Research in CrossFit®

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Ricardo Augusto Silva de Souza ◽  
André Guedes da Silva ◽  
Magda Ferreira de Souza ◽  
Liliana Kataryne Ferreira Souza ◽  
Hamilton Roschel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Muscle Fatigue ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Metabolic Stress ◽  
Optimal Recovery ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Nutritional Recommendations ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Nutritional Strategies

CrossFit® is a high-intensity functional training method consisting of daily workouts called “workouts of the day.” No nutritional recommendations exist for CrossFit® that are supported by scientific evidence regarding the energetic demands of this type of activity or dietary and supplement interventions. This systematic review performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines aimed to identify studies that determined (a) the physiological and metabolic demands of CrossFit® and (b) the effects of nutritional strategies on CrossFit® performance to guide nutritional recommendations for optimal recovery, adaptations, and performance for CrossFit® athletes and direct future research in this emerging area. Three databases were searched for studies that investigated physiological responses to CrossFit® and dietary or supplementation interventions on CrossFit® performance. Various physiological measures revealed the intense nature of all CrossFit® workouts of the day, reflected in substantial muscle fatigue and damage. Dietary and supplementation studies provided an unclear insight into effective strategies to improve performance and enhance adaptations and recovery due to methodological shortcomings across studies. This systematic review showed that CrossFit® is a high-intensity sport with fairly homogenous anaerobic and aerobic characteristics, resulting in substantial metabolic stress, leading to metabolite accumulation (e.g., lactate and hydrogen ions) and increased markers of muscle damage and muscle fatigue. Limited interventional data exist on dietary and supplementation strategies to optimize CrossFit® performance, and most are moderate to very low quality with some critical methodological limitations, precluding solid conclusions on their efficacy. High-quality work is needed to confirm the ideal dietary and supplemental strategies for optimal performance and recovery for CrossFit® athletes and is an exciting avenue for further research.

scholarly journals High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) Improves Fitness in Recruit Firefighters

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13400
Author(s):  
Annmarie Chizewski ◽  
Allyson Box ◽  
Richard M. Kesler ◽  
Steven J. Petruzzello
Keyword(s):  
Job Performance ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Cardiovascular Fitness ◽  
Muscular Endurance ◽  
Fitness Program ◽  
Functional Training ◽  
Hotelling's T2 ◽  
Hotelling’S T2 ◽  
Effective Fitness

Background: Firefighting is a strenuous profession requiring adequate levels of fitness for effective job performance. Providing firefighters with a safe and effective fitness program is essential for optimal performance. The purpose of this project was to examine changes in various parameters of physical fitness and firefighter ability following a 7-week high intensity functional training (HIFT) program. Methods: Participants were male firefighter recruits (N = 89; age = 27.1 ± 4.2 years, height = 1.78 ± 0.1 m, BMI = 28.1 ± 4.2) enrolled in a Basic Operations Firefighter Academy. Fitness and firefighting ability (via the Academy Firefighter Challenge) were assessed at Weeks 1 and 7 of the Academy. Results: Significant improvements in both fitness and firefighter ability were seen following the HIFT program. Specifically, fitness (BMI, cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance) improved significantly [Hotelling’s T2 = 8.98, F(5, 84) = 150.92, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.90]. Firefighter ability also improved significantly [Hotelling’s T2 = 3.95, F(7, 88) = 46.26, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.80]. Conclusions: Following a 7-week Basic Operations Firefighter Academy that included daily HIFT, significant increases in fitness and firefighting ability were observed. These findings suggest that HIFT appears to be an effective means of improving fitness and firefighting ability in recruit firefighters.

scholarly journals Different amount of training affects body composition and performance in High-Intensity Functional Training participants

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. e0237887
Author(s):  
Valentina Cavedon ◽  
Chiara Milanese ◽  
Alessandro Marchi ◽  
Carlo Zancanaro
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Functional Training ◽  
And Performance

scholarly journals Repeated Sprints: An Independent Not Dependent Variable

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 693-696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan M. Taylor ◽  
Tom W. Macpherson ◽  
Iain R. Spears ◽  
Matthew Weston
Keyword(s):  
Team Sports ◽  
Sport Performance ◽  
Performance Measure ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Repeated Sprints ◽  
Training Strategy ◽  
Repeated Sprint ◽  
Independent Variable ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

The ability to repeatedly perform sprints has traditionally been viewed as a key performance measure in team sports, and the relationship between repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and performance has been explored extensively. However, when reviewing the repeated-sprint profile of team-sports match play it appears that the occurrence of repeated-sprint bouts is sparse, indicating that RSA is not as important to performance as commonly believed. Repeated sprints are, however, a potent and time-efficient training strategy, effective in developing acceleration, speed, explosive leg power, aerobic power, and high-intensity-running performance—all of which are crucial to team-sport performance. As such, we propose that repeated-sprint exercise in team sports should be viewed as an independent variable (eg, a means of developing fitness) as opposed to a dependent variable (eg, a means of assessing fitness/performance).

scholarly journals Physiological adaptation following four-weeks of high-intensity functional training

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Kliszczewicz ◽  
Michael McKenzie ◽  
Brett Nickerson
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Maximal Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Anaerobic Capacity ◽  
Physiological Adaptation ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Functional Training ◽  
Gender Influence ◽  
Back Squat ◽  
Maximum Test ◽  
Vo2max Test

Background/Aim. High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is a popular mixed-modal program that utilizes both resistance and aerobic based exercises. The aim of this study was to examine the physiological effects of the HIFT programing on physically active men (10) and women (10) over a four-week period through the measure of the aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, and maximal weight lifted. Methods. The participants first completed a maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) test. After 48-hours of rest, the subjects completed the anaerobic capacity test via the Wingate protocol. Following the Wingate test, the subjects performed a 1-repetition maximum test for squat, snatch and clean at the offsite training location. After the pre-measurements were obtained, the subjects entered a four-week the HIFT intervention and returned to the lab for all post-measurements. Results. Significant improvements were observed in male and female: VO2 max (Pre: 46.7 ? 2.6, 33.7 ? 1.7 mL/kg/min; Post: 49.0 ? 3.0, 35.0 ? 1.8 mL/kg/min), Peak Wingate Power (Pre: 1206 ? 106, 708 ? 44 W; Post: 1283 ? 88, 809 ? 38 W) Mean Wingate Power (Pre: 680 ? 46, 704 ? 48 W; Post: 434 ? 15, 458 ? 18 W; p < 0.05), back squat (Pre: 128.8 ? 8.8 kg, 44.1 ? 6.8 kg; Post: 142.7 ? 9.8, 54.3 ? 6.2 kg) clean (Pre: 82.5 ? 6.2, 24.1 ? 3.4 kg; Post: 92.7 ? 5.8, 33.2 ? 3.3 kg) and snatch (Pre: 59.3 ? 4.4, 20.9 ? 1.7 kg; Post: 69.1 ? 5.3, 25.0 ? 2.3 kg; p < 0.05), respectively. No gender influence on interaction was observed over time (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The HIFT demonstrated the rapid physiological improvements in strength, aerobic and the anaerobic capacity following a four-week intervention in the physically active participants.

scholarly journals High-Intensity Functional Training Guided by Individualized Heart Rate Variability Results in Similar Health and Fitness Improvements as Predetermined Training with Less Effort

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 102
Author(s):  
Justin A. DeBlauw ◽  
Nicholas B. Drake ◽  
Brady K. Kurtz ◽  
Derek A. Crawford ◽  
Michael J. Carper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Exercise Intensity ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Cardiovascular Function ◽  
Work Capacity ◽  
Test Body ◽  
Functional Training ◽  
And Performance

Heart rate variability (HRV) may be useful for prescribing high-intensity functional training (HIFT) exercise programs. This study aimed to compare effects of HRV-guided and predetermined HIFT on cardiovascular function, body composition, and performance. Methods: Recreationally-active adults (n = 55) were randomly assigned to predetermined HIFT (n = 29, age = 24.1 ± 4.1 years) or HRV-guided HIFT (n = 26, age = 23.7 ± 4.5) groups. Both groups completed 11 weeks of daily HRV recordings, 6 weeks of HIFT (5 d·week-1), and pre- and post-test body composition and fitness assessments. Meaningful changes in resting HRV were used to modulate (i.e., reduce) HRV-guided participants’ exercise intensity. Linear mixed models were used with Bonferroni post hoc adjustment for analysis. Results: All participants significantly improved resting heart rate, lean mass, fat mass, strength, and work capacity. However, no significant between-groups differences were observed for cardiovascular function, body composition, or fitness changes. The HRV-guided group spent significantly fewer training days at high intensity (mean difference = −13.56 ± 0.83 days; p < 0.001). Conclusion: HRV-guided HIFT produced similar improvements in cardiovascular function, body composition, and fitness as predetermined HIFT, despite fewer days at high intensity. HRV shows promise for prescribing individualized exercise intensity during HIFT.

scholarly journals Effect of Functional Training on Physical Fitness Among Athletes: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wensheng Xiao ◽  
Kim Geok Soh ◽  
Mohd Rozilee Wazir Norjali Wazir ◽  
Othman Talib ◽  
Xiaorong Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Power Balance ◽  
Muscular Endurance ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Functional Training ◽  
Training Interventions

There is evidence that functional training is beneficial for the overall physical fitness of athletes. However, there is a lack of a systematic review focused on the effects of functional training on athletes' physical fitness. Thus, the aimed of the present review is to clarify the effects of functional training on physical fitness among athletes. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) Statement guidelines, the systematic search of PubMed, SCOPUS, EBSCOhost (SPORTDiscus), and CINAHL Plus databases was undertaken on the 2nd November 2020 to identify the reported studies, using a combination of keywords related to functional training, physical fitness, and athletes. From the 145 studies, only nine articles met all eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. The assessment was performed on the Pedro scale, and the quality of the study included in the nine studies was fair (ranging from 3 to 4). The results showed that speed (n = 6) was the aspect of physical fitness studied in functional training interventions, followed by muscular strength (n = 5), power (n = 4), balance (n = 3), body composition (n = 3), agility (n = 3), flexibility (n = 1) and muscular endurance (n = 1). Existing evidence concludes that functional training significantly impacts speed, muscular strength, power, balance, and agility. Furthermore, there are still limit numbers of evidence showing effect of functional training on flexibility and muscular endurance. In contrast, no significant improvement was found in body composition where functional training was conducted.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier: CRD4202123092.

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