Is There Any Non-functional Training? A Conceptual Review

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.

Discriminant analysis: peculiarities of impact of sports specialization on 3rd-year female students’ functional and motor fitness

Background and Study Aim. The objective of the study was to determine the peculiarities of impact of sports specialization on 3rd-year female students’ functional and motor fitness. Materials and methods. The study involved 3rd-year female students of the Donbas State Engineering Academy in Kramatorsk, who practiced badminton (n = 43), aerobics (n = 43), and callanetics (n = 43). To solve the tasks set, the following research methods were used: analysis of scientific literature, pedagogical observation, pedagogical testing; index method and medical-biological methods. Pedagogical methods were used to study the peculiarities of students’ functional state of the body and motor abilities; for data processing discriminant analysis was used. Sectional classes were held in groups according to the schedule – twice a week. Results. The study revealed the peculiarities of impact of attending badminton, aerobics, and callanetics sports sections on the level of 3rd-year female students’ functional and motor fitness. The female students who play badminton show better results in the 100-meter dash and the Standing long jump. In the exercise “Push-ups”, better results are shown by the female students who do aerobics. Conclusions. The results of classification of students by the level of motor and functional fitness and the analysis of multidimensional averages (centroids) point to the peculiarities of dynamics of female students’ state depending on sports specialization. The results of the following tests are most important for differentiated assessment of the state of motor and functional fitness at the first level: Romberg test (r = 0.662), 100-meter dash (r = 0.491), Push-ups (r = 0.491). At the second level – Stange test (r = 0.417), Standing long jump (r = 0.412).

Encuesta Nacional de Tendencias de Fitness en España para 2022 (National Survey of Fitness Trends in Spain for 2022)

Esta es la sexta edición de las Encuestas Nacionales de Tendencias de Fitness en España, que reproducen de forma anual la metodología de las encuestas internacionales promovidas por el Colegio Americano de Medicina del Deporte (ACSM). El objetivo del presente estudio es identificar las principales tendencias en el sector del fitness español mediante la presentación de los resultados de la encuesta realizada para 2022, así como comparar los resultados con los obtenidos en las encuestas nacional e internacional de 2021. Además, también se analizó el posible impacto del COVID-19 en la incorporación de tecnología en el sector del fitness en España. La encuesta fue enviada electrónicamente a un total de 6551 profesionales relacionados con el sector del fitness recogiéndose un total 520 respuestas (tasa de respuesta de 7.9%), de las cuales un 27.3% fueron mujeres. Las cinco tendencias más relevantes para 2022 fueron, por ese orden: “contratación de profesionales certificados”, “entrenamiento funcional de fitness”, “entrenamiento personal en pequeños grupos”, “entrenamiento personal” y “programas de ejercicio y pérdida de peso”. Las tendencias en el top-20 en España para 2022 fueron muy congruentes con las de 2021, tanto en el número de coincidencias (18 tendencias comunes) como en las posiciones ocupadas (dentro del top-10 hubo 9 tendencias comunes a ambas encuestas). Al igual que en años anteriores, se produjo una mayor discrepancia entre la encuesta española para 2022 y la encuesta internacional de 2021, con sólo 13 tendencias comunes dentro del top-20 y únicamente dos coincidencias en el top-10. Estos hallazgos vuelven a confirmar, en consonancia con ediciones anteriores, la estabilidad de las tendencias en el sector del fitness español y la progresiva divergencia con las tendencias internacionales. Abstract. This is the sixth edition of the National Surveys of Fitness Trends in Spain, which annually reproduces the methodology of the worldwide surveys endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The objective of this study is to identify the main trends in the Spanish fitness sector by presenting the results of the Spanish survey for 2022, as well as comparing the results with those obtained in the national and international surveys for 2021. In addition, the possible impact of COVID-19 on the incorporation of technology in the fitness sector in Spain was also analyzed. The survey was electronically sent to 6551 professionals related to the fitness sector, collecting a total of 520 responses (response rate 7.9%), of which 27.3% were women and 72.7% were men. The five most relevant trends for 2022 were, in that order: “employing certificate fitness professional”, “functional fitness training”, “personal training in small groups”, “personal training” and “exercise and weight loss programs”. The trends in the top-20 in Spain for 2022 were very congruent with those of 2021, both in the number of coincidences (18 common trends) and in the positions occupied (9 common trends within the top-10). As in previous years, there was a greater discrepancy between the Spanish survey for 2022 and the worldwide survey for 2021, with only 13 common trends within the top-20 and only two coinciding trends in the top-10. These findings confirm again, in accordance with previous editions, the stability of trends in the Spanish fitness sector and the progressive divergence with worldwide trends.

The application of therapeutic exercises on fitballs for postural disorders in students

Poor posture is a fairly common pathology that often occurs among students of higher educational institutions and negatively affects their physical and functional fitness. Upon entering a higher educational institution the physical activity of students decreases significantly, and it causes deterioration in health, reduces the level of physical and mental performance.

Obesity Indices for Predicting Functional Fitness in Children and Adolescents With Obesity

Objectives: We aimed to determine the obesity indices that affect 6-min walk test (6-MWT) distance in children and adolescents with obesity and to compare the 6-MWT distance of obese subjects with that of normal-weight subjects.Methods: Obese children and adolescents aged 8–15 years and normal-weight age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled. All participants performed the 6-MWT; respiratory muscle strength (RMS), including maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure; and spirometry. Data between groups were compared. In the obesity group, correlation between obesity indices and pulmonary function testing (6-MWT, RMS, and spirometry) was analyzed.Results: The study included 37 obese and 31 normal-weight participants. The following parameters were all significantly lower in the obesity group than in the normal-weight group: 6-MWT distance (472.1 ± 66.2 vs. 513.7 ± 72.9 m; p = 0.02), forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (85.3 ± 6.7 vs. 90.8 ± 4.5%; p < 0.001), forced expiratory flow rate within 25–75% of vital capacity (FEF25−75%) (89.8 ± 23.1 vs. 100.4 ± 17.3 %predicted; p = 0.04), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) (81.2 ± 15 vs. 92.5 ± 19.6 %predicted; p = 0.01). The obesity indices that significantly correlated with 6-MWT distance in obese children and adolescents were waist circumference-to-height ratio (WC/Ht) (r = −0.51; p = 0.001), waist circumference (r = −0.39; p = 0.002), body mass index (BMI) (r = −0.36; p = 0.03), and chest circumference (r = −0.35; p = 0.04). WC/Ht was the only independent predictor of 6-MWT distance by multiple linear regression.Conclusions: Children and adolescents with obesity had a significantly shorter 6-MWT distance compared with normal-weight subjects. WC/Ht was the only independent predictor of 6-MWT distance in the obesity group.

Metabolic Syndrome and Functional Fitness Abilities

Background: It has been pointed out that moderate to vigorous exercise improves metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria; however, studies on functional fitness in subjects with MetS are scarce. Aim: This study aimed to assess functional fitness abilities in MetS and non-MetS subjects. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Participants living in the Balearic Islands (n = 477, 52% men, 55–80 years old) with MetS (n = 333) and without MetS (n = 144). Anthropometric, socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics were measured, and blood samples were collected. Functional fitness tests included: one leg balance, standing and sitting handgrip, 30-s chair stand, arm curl, chair sit-and-reach, back scratch, 8-foot time up-and-go, 30-m walk, and 6-min walk tests. A Functional Fitness Score was created from tests that measured agility and dynamic balance, static balance, lower-and-upper body strength, lower-and-upper body flexibility, aerobic endurance, and speed. Results: All functional fitness tests were lower in MetS subjects, except for back scratch and standing handgrip test. After adjusting for possible confounders (sex, age, civil status, education level, leisure-time physical activity) MetS subjects were more likely to be below average for a sex and age specific cut-off value of one leg balance (Odds Ratio, OR: 2.37; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.25–4.48), chair stand (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.26–3.20), arm curl (OR: 3.43; 95% CI:1.90–6.26), back scratch (OR: 3.49; 95% CI: 2.31–5.91), 8-foot up-&-go (OR: 13.03; 95% CI: 6.66–25.55), 30-m walk (OR: 8.10; 95% CI: 4.33–15.57) and 6-min walk test (OR: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.76–6.52), whereas they were more likely to be above average for sitting handgrip test (OR:1.69; 95% CI:1.21–2.95). Functional Fitness Score was lower in MetS subjects (5.44 ± 2.40 vs. 7.04 ± 1.72, p < 0.001), independently of sex and age. Conclusion: MetS participants showed lower functional fitness abilities and lower Functional Fitness Score than non-MetS peers, independently of sex, age, body mass index and waist circumference, showing lower ability to perform everyday activities safely and independently.