Functional Strength Training for Physical Education

Background and Aims: Functional strength training, as a new training method, has now been widely applied in professional sports and competitive sports, and other fields. Changing the traditional basketball strength training methods has become an urgent task at present. However, in the field of basketball sports training, there are relatively few related training applications to improve the jumping quality of basketball players. Therefore, in this study, adolescent basketball players with a certain competitive level were selected as the research subjects. By applying functional strength training methods, the influence of functional strength training on jumping quality was explored. Theoretical analysis and experimental verification were conducted on the application of functional strength training in basketball practice for the reference of coaches and athletes. In the hope of contributing a little to the process of promoting the scientific training of basketball players. Methodology: Thirty male athletes from the men's basketball team at China Jiuquan Vocational and Technical College were recruited and divided into three groups: weight training, functional strength training, and a control group (n=10 per group). Leg muscle strength was measured using high jump tests at baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of training. Data were analyzed using SPSS software to calculate the mean differences and standard deviations across groups. Results: These findings indicate that weight training and functional strength training play essential roles in enhancing jumping performance by improving take-off speed, endurance, and whole-body coordination. Conclusion: These findings indicate that weight training and functional strength training play essential roles in enhancing jumping performance by improving take-off speed, endurance, and whole-body coordination. Comprehensive training programs should integrate strength, speed, and coordination exercises alongside technical skill development to optimize performance.

RationaleFunctional strength training in addition to conventional physical therapy could enhance upper limb recovery early after stroke more than movement performance therapy plus conventional physical therapy.AimsTo determine (a) the relative clinical efficacy of conventional physical therapy combined with functional strength training and conventional physical therapy combined with movement performance therapy for upper limb recovery; (b) the neural correlates of response to conventional physical therapy combined with functional strength training and conventional physical therapy combined with movement performance therapy; (c) whether any one or combination of baseline measures predict motor improvement in response to conventional physical therapy combined with functional strength training or conventional physical therapy combined with movement performance therapy.DesignRandomized, controlled, observer-blind trial.StudyThe sample will consist of 288 participants with upper limb paresis resulting from a stroke that occurred within the previous 60 days. All will be allocated to conventional physical therapy combined with functional strength training or conventional physical therapy combined with movement performance therapy. Functional strength training and movement performance therapy will be undertaken for up to 1·5 h/day, five-days/week for six-weeks.Outcomes and AnalysisMeasurements will be undertaken before randomization, six-weeks thereafter, and six-months after stroke. Primary efficacy outcome will be the Action Research Arm Test. Explanatory measurements will include voxel-wise estimates of brain activity during hand movement, brain white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy), and brain–muscle connectivity (e.g. latency of motor evoked potentials). The primary clinical efficacy analysis will compare treatment groups using a multilevel normal linear model adjusting for stratification variables and for which therapist administered the treatment. Effect of conventional physical therapy combined with functional strength training versus conventional physical therapy combined with movement performance therapy will be summarized using the adjusted mean difference and 95% confidence interval. To identify the neural correlates of improvement in both groups, we will investigate associations between change from baseline in clinical outcomes and each explanatory measure. To identify baseline measurements that independently predict motor improvement, we will develop a multiple regression model.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a six-week functional strength training program, applied in addition to regular soccer training, on soccer-specific technical skills, physical performance parameters, and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores in young soccer players. Thirty male U13–U14 soccer players from MKE Ankaragücü Football Club were randomly assigned to a functional training group (FTG, n = 15) or a control group (CG, n = 15). The FTG performed a structured functional strength training program three times per week for six weeks in addition to routine soccer training, while the CG continued only regular soccer training. Pre- and post-tests included sprint and agility tests (with and without ball), slalom dribbling, Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT), standing and lying medicine ball throws (SMB, LMB), countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and FMS. Independent-samples and paired-samples t-tests were applied, and effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d. Post-intervention analyses revealed significantly greater improvements in the FTG compared to the CG for SMB, LMB, CMJ, SJ, and total FMS score (p < 0.05; large effect sizes). Both groups showed improvements in sprint performance; however, the FTG demonstrated superior gains in movement quality and explosive power. No significant between-group differences were observed in some technical skill parameters. Functional strength training appears to be an effective and safe training approach for enhancing movement quality, explosive performance, and selected technical skills in young soccer players. These findings support the integration of functional training into youth soccer training programs.

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.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of functional strength training in improving gross motor function among the children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Design: Experimental study design with pre-test and post-test. Background: The primary goal of rehabilitation for spastic dipelgic cerebral palsy is functional enhancement by maximizing the independence, life style, and dignity of the patient. A new development for treatment in specialized and well organized manner generated by different neurological treatment approach includes functional strength training. There has been less research explaining about the importance of functional strength training for improvement in functional activities. Method: Fifteen subjects spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were selected under purposive sampling technique and received functional strength training for a period of 10 weeks. Outcome measure: Gross motor function measure-the gross motor function measure is a standardized observational instrument designed to measure changes in gross motor function over time in children with CP. Results: Statistical analysis done by using student’s t-test and showed that there was significant improvement in subjects who received functional strength training. Conclusion: The statistical results show that there is an improvement in gross motor function after 10 weeks of functional strength training program

Poor muscle strength and physical function have been associated with higher risk of hospitalisation and lower well-being among the elderly. Physical training increases muscle strength, endurance and physical function as well as psychological outcomes. Exercise among older adults is often used to improve these variables, but few have compared the effects of different types of training in parallel independent groups. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of three different types of training on body composition, muscle strength, physical function and well-being in the elderly. A total of 118 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 74.3, s=4.6 years, 68% women) completed a 13-week randomised controlled exercise-trial involving four groups: traditional strength training (STG), functional strength training (FTG), endurance training (ETG) and control (CON). Stair climb with load improved more in FTG than CON (P<0.05), and the two strength groups performed better in the functional upper body test (P<0.05). STG increased strength more than CON in all exercises (P<0.001), while FTG increased strength more than CON in the chest press, shoulder press and knee extension (P<0.05). Lean body mass (LBM) increased in all training groups, which differed significantly from CON (P<0.05). ETG decreased their fat mass compared to CON (P<0.001). The only significant effect on well-being indices was improved life satisfaction in FTG at week 5 (P<0.05). We also observed significant correlations between change in some of the functional tests and change in positive affect. All three types of training can enhance physical capacity. Functional strength training can be a cost effective form of training in terms of less demand for instructors and equipment and could be an effective way to improve physical function, strength and indices of well-being in the elderly.

Functional strength training and movement performance therapy produce analogous improvement in sit-to-stand early after stroke: early-phase randomised controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a functional strength training.Case report: A nine-year-old child with Cerebral Palsy (CP) classified as level IV according to Gross Motor Function Classification System participated in the study. Assessments were at baseline, five weeks and 10 weeks post-intervention. Lower-extremity muscles strength was evaluated with an isokinetic dynamometer. Also, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and Timed up & Go (TUG) tests were assessed. A functional strength training protocol, four sessions a week, for 10 weeks was applied.Results: Following functional strength training, it improvements were found in hip, knee and ankle muscles strength, as well as increase in GMFM-88 score and decrease in time for TUG test performance. Positives outcomes from functional strength training were obtained beyond improvements in strength, since improvements in functional motor performance were also achieved.Conclusion: Therefore, individualized, specific and functional strength training seems to be an alternative to rehabilitation of children with CP with high level of functional disability.

The assessment of how functional strength training (FST) influences movement efficiency alongside core stability together with sprint mechanics and agility and injury prevention forms the foundation of this review. The data demonstrates how better posture, reduced energy costs together with enhanced movements result in noticeable improvements. Functional strength training allowed neuromuscular adaptations such as increased excitatory drive that can lead to an elevated jumping frequency and higher number of activated motor units. Further, neuromuscular adaptations enhance dynamic postural stability and core stabilizing capacities and prove effective for improving hip movements and stride efficiency in sprinting and running techniques. The effectiveness of FST is further supported by increased agility, which is shown by better cutting and pivoting mechanics. The injury risk protection offered by FST stems from its ability to fix muscular weaknesses along with provision of balance between different areas. Functional training also significantly enhances athletes' cardiorespiratory endurance performance. Various data points including joint angles alongside ground reaction forces together with muscle activation levels have also been documented in the literature. Future research should focus on the training protocols tailored to the specific capabilities required for improving athletics’ performance because the positions in which the player is playing are different, and the training protocol should be specified accordingly.

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) affects the mobility and functional strength of children which leads to a decline in the quality of life of children. Functional strength training may considered objective-oriented to achieve some specific activity level and improve the overall performance of children. Objective: To determine the effects of additional functional strength training on mobility in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (HCP). Method: A single-blind randomized control trial (NCT05878756) was conducted on (n=40) children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) at the National Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Islamabad. Children who can follow commands, not using assistive devices, and are not being treated in any other rehabilitation services were included. Children aged 4-12 years were recruited through a non-probability convenient sampling technique and a total of n=40 participants were randomly divided into Group A (n=20) which received conventional therapy along with functional strength training for 4 weeks, while Group B (n=20) only received conventional physical therapy. Both groups received intervention for 4weeks. The tools, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) used for the severity of mobility and, five times sit to stand (FTSST) to assess functional lower extremity strength, transitional movement balance, and fall risk in older adults, were used at baseline and post-treatment assessment. Results: Both groups had improvements in strength and mobility but there was significant improvement in strength and mobility in Group A after 4th week (p≤ 0.05). However, no significant increase in the dimension of lying and kneeling was observed. Comparison between both groups (pre and post-treatment) for dimensions of walking, running, and jumping in both groups showed significant improvement (p=0.045). According to the result of GMFM scoring, a significant improvement in the interventional group (A) as compared to Group B (p=0.003). So, there is a considerable increase in GMFM score for Group A than Group B group. Conclusion: It is concluded that additional functional therapy has a better outcome as compared to conventional therapy on mobility and strength of children with CP. Keywords Cerebral palsy; functional strength training; mobility; Gross Motor Function Measure; Gross Motor Function Classification System

This overview of systematic reviews examined the effect of balance and functional strength training on health outcomes in adults aged 18 years or older, to inform the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines. Four electronic databases were searched for systematic reviews published between January 2009 and May 2019. Eligibility criteria were determined a priori for population (community-dwelling adults), intervention (balance and functional training), comparator (no intervention or different types/doses), and outcomes (critical: falls and fall-related injuries; adverse events; important: physical functioning and disability; health-related quality of life; physical activity; and sedentary behaviour). Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility and performed AMSTAR 2 assessment. One review was selected per outcome. Of 3288 records and 355 full-text articles, 5 systematic reviews were included, encompassing data from 15 890 participants in 23 countries. In adults 65 years and older, balance and functional training and Tai Chi reduced the rate of falls and the number of people who fell, and improved aspects of physical functioning and physical activity. The effect on health-related quality of life and falls requiring hospitalization was uncertain. While inconsistently monitored, only 1 serious adverse event was reported. No evidence was available in adults under age 65 years. Included systematic reviews and primary evidence reported by review authors ranged in quality. Overall, participation in balance and functional training reduced falls and improved health outcomes in adults 65 years of age and older. PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42019134865. Novelty This overview informs updated guidelines for balance training in adults. Balance and functional training reduced falls and improved health outcomes.

ABSTRACTBackground: Assessment can have various functions, and is an important impetus for student learning. For assessment to be effective, it should be aligned with curriculum goals and of sufficient quality. Although it has been suggested that assessment quality in physical education (PE) is suboptimal, research into actual assessment practices has been relatively scarce.Purpose: The goals of the present study were to determine the quality of assessment, teachers’ views on the functions of assessment, the alignment of assessment with learning goals, and the actual assessment practices in secondary PE in the Netherlands.Participants and setting: A total of 260 PE teachers from different schools in the Netherlands filled out an online Physical Education Assessment Questionnaire (PEAQ) on behalf of their school.Data collection: The online questionnaire (PEAQ) contained the following sections: quality of assessment, intended functions of assessment, assessment practices, and intended goals of PE.Data analysis: Percentages of agreement were calculated for all items. In addition, assessment quality items were recoded into a numerical value between 1 and 5 (mean ± SD). Cronbach’s alpha was calculated for each predefined quality aspect of the PEAQ, and for assessment quality as a whole.Findings: Mean assessment quality (±SD) was 3.6 ± 0.6. With regard to the function of assessment, most PE teachers indicated that they intended using assessment as a means of supporting the students’ learning process (formative function). At the same time, the majority of schools take PE grades into account for determining whether a student may enter the next year (summative function). With regard to assessment practices, a large variety of factors are included when grading, and observation is by far the assessment technique most widely applied. A minority of PE teachers grade students without predetermined assessment criteria, and usually criteria are identical for all students. There is an apparent discrepancy between reported PE goals and assessment practices; although increasing students’ fitness levels is the least important goal of PE lessons according to the PE teachers, 81% reports that fitness is one of the factors being judged. Conversely, while 94% considers gaining knowledge about physical activity and sports as one of the goals of PE, only 34% actually assesses knowledge.Conclusions: Assessment in Dutch PE is of moderate quality. The findings further suggest that PE teachers consider assessment for learning important but that their assessment practices are not generally in line with this view. Furthermore, there seems to be a lack of alignment between intended learning outcomes and what is actually being valued and assessed. We believe that these results call for a concerted effort from PE departments, school boards, and the education inspectorate to scrutinise existing assessment practices, and work together to optimise PE assessment.

BackgroundPatellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common disorder affecting the lower extremity. This study aimed to compare the effects of functional strength training (FST) and standard strength training (SST) in PFPS patients.MethodsForty college students (aged 18–30 years) with PFPS and no exercise habits were randomized into FST group (n = 20) and SST group (n = 20). FST group underwent six weeks of lower extremity training focused on functional adaptations, whereas SST group focus on lower extremity strength training. Function (Kujala Patellofemoral Scale, KPS), pain (visual analog scale, VAS), peak joint angles of hip, knee, and ankle, along with muscle activation (step-down test) of Vastus medialis, Vastus lateralis, Biceps femoris, Semitendinosus, Gluteus maximus, and Gluteus medius were assessed at baseline and after intervention.ResultsFST outperformed SST in pain reduction (p = 0.026) and function (p = 0.006) post-intervention. The FST group also showed increased hip flexion (p < 0.001), gluteus maximus activation (p < 0.001), and reduced knee valgus (p = 0.032), while SST group exhibited greater knee flexion (p = 0.008), and higher activation of the lateral femoral (p < 0.001) and semitendinosus (p < 0.001).ConclusionInterventions focused on functional adaptations result in differential kinematic and muscle activation changes that may result in greater improvements in pain and knee function than lower limb muscle strengthening alone.Trial registrationchictr.org.cn. NO: ChiCTR2400087664. Date 01/08/2024.

The functional training (FT) is based on the application of exercises with free weights in patterns of movements that resemble the daily activities of the individual. On the other hand, traditional training (TT) seeks to improve muscular fitness, through exercises predominantly performed in conventional machines. Lately, there has been a lack of research comparing these two methods to understand their real effects on functionality. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of functional and traditional strength training on physical fitness and movement quality in sedentary older women. Thirty-two elderly women were randomly divided into (1) functional training (FT n = 13; 64.8 ± 4.6 years) and (2) traditional training (TT n = 12; 66.0 ± 5.5 years). To verify the physical fitness for daily activities, the Senior Fitness battery was applied and, in a complementary way, a maximum isometric strength test and quality of movement patterns. At the end of 8 weeks, when compared to TT, the FT promoted significant increases in the variables: balance/agility (p = 0.03, + 8.5%), lower limb strength (p = 0.03; + 19%), upper limbs strength (p = 0.02, + 15.6%), cardiorespiratory capacity (p = 0.02, + 8.5%) and isometric strength (p = 0.04, + 16.5%). At the end of 12 weeks, the FT showed significant differences in the variables: balance/agility (p = 0.00, + 10.5%), lower limb strength (p = 0.03, + 17.9%), cardiorespiratory capacity (p = 0.01; + 6.7%) and in the quality of movement (p = 0.02; + 16.6%) when compared to TT. The functional training proven more effective than traditional in physical fitness for daily activities and quality of movement patterns in sedentary older women.

Background There are many diverging views regarding the role and purpose of Physical Education (PE) in secondary schools within the UK. However, very few studies have explored PE processes through the eyes of young people. Adolescence represents a critical time period when physical activity (PA) behaviour patterns are often established. Student disengagement in PE is therefore a concern, as PE has the potential to play an important role in influencing adolescents to develop lifelong PA habits. Secondary school PE is compulsory in the UK until the age of 16, therefore PE teachers have a captive audience who they can influence positively or negatively. Understanding of students’ experiences and perceptions of PE could help inform future PE provision. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore students’ perceptions of PE throughout secondary school (age 11–16) in England, UK. This study aims to explore students’ views concerning changes and continuities from Key Stage (KS3) (age 11–14) to KS4 (age 14–16). We are also interested in the meanings that students attach to their PE experiences, identifying the social structures and processes that shape these meanings. Methods Using a social constructionist framework, semi-structured interviews were conducted at eight secondary schools across Yorkshire, England. A convenience sample of eligible schools was used to recruit the study participants. Two participants aged 15–16 (Year 11, KS4) were interviewed at each school (N = 16). Inductive and deductive thematic analysis informed by self-determination theory guided the analysis. Thematic analysis comprised three second-order themes which were generated by ten first-order themes drawing students’ experiences of PE. Results Perceptions of PE throughout KS3 (age 11–14) were perceived as unfavourable, owing to too much structure and social comparisons. However, perceptions of KS4 (age 14–16) PE lessons were positive, with students enjoying increased choice, less structure, and an opportunity to relieve the stress and pressure of school life. Students identified the role of the teacher to be significant in enhancing student experience throughout secondary school. However, students acknowledged that the student–teacher relationship changed across secondary school, suggesting a need for numerous pedagogical approaches to be adopted through secondary school PE. In addition, PE is recognised by some students as an opportunity to improve their wellbeing, advocating the need for PE teachers to consider employing more holistic outcomes within PE lessons. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that there is a noticeable difference between students’ experiences of PE at KS3 (age 11–14) compared to KS4 (age 14–16), questioning if the KS3 curriculum is conducive to support student engagement in PE. The results also indicate that PE teachers could widen the learning of PE beyond the physical domain and incorporate a more holistic approach when planning and delivering PE lessons. The long-term implications of engaging more students in PE is that we may inspire more adolescents to remain physically active into adulthood, and to live healthier, more active lives.