Functional vs. Strength training in adults: specific needs define the best intervention

Studies that have aimed to compare different strategies to improve functional capacity have produced controversial results. Furthermore, such studies have focused solely on dependent individuals. In contrast, the present study aimed to compare traditional training to functional training for independent individuals. The purpose of this study was to compare traditional training to functional training in healthy and independent middle-aged adults (40-60 years old) and elderly subjects (older than 60 years old).

One hundred and one subjects (54.75 ± 8.84 years) were divided into two groups that each performed 24 sessions of a training protocol twice per week. The subjects were assessed using quantitative (Y-Balance Test) and qualitative methods (Functional Movement Screen™). The individuals were compared by observing changes between pretest and posttest according to their intervention group, sex and age.

When the entire sample was considered, the results showed that there were no differences in improvement between the training protocols. However, when specific groups were analyzed, functional training was less effective for women compared to men in the same group (Z=-2.598; p=0.009; effect size=0.43) and compared to women in the conventional group (Z=-2.704; p=0.007; effect size=0.41).

There were no differences between the two protocols in their ability to improve functional capacity as measured by the two chosen outcome measures. However, each subject's condition before the intervention must be considered. Some individuals may require additional basic training or specific training. In the current study, the women may have needed to improve their basic capabilities before practicing more specific training protocols.

2b. This is a pre- and post-intervention analysis using within-group and between-groups comparisons.