Comparison of a 36-week functional training program versus traditional physical education on physical fitness in male...

Evidence comparing functional training with traditional physical education in Chinese high schools is limited. This longitudinal study compared a 36-week functional training program versus standard physical education on fitness and health markers in male adolescents.

Male adolescents (N = 670; aged 16-18 years) from 18 high schools were allocated to a functional training group (FTG, n = 351) or traditional physical education group (TPEG, n = 319). Nineteen fitness indicators were assessed at baseline (T1), post-Phase I at 18 weeks (T2), pre-Phase II after summer holiday (T3), and post-Phase II at 36 weeks (T4). Analyses compared T1 vs. T2 (18-week effects) and T1 vs. T4 (36-week effects); T3 served as a pre-Phase II reassessment and was not analyzed as an outcome time point. Linear mixed models (LMMs) with baseline adjustment and school-level random intercepts served as the primary analysis, with t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA as secondary analyses.

LMMs revealed significant group effects favoring FTG for cardiovascular endurance (resting pulse: -2.34 bpm, 95% CI [-4.26, -0.42], d = 0.24; 1,000-m run: -15.36 s, 95% CI [-20.03, -10.69], d = 0.53), muscular strength (1RM squat: +2.81 kg, 95% CI [1.95, 3.67], d = 0.45; pull-ups: +0.61 reps, 95% CI [0.24, 0.98], d = 0.21), agility (T-test: -0.22 s, 95% CI [-0.40, -0.04], d = 0.26), and balance (closed-eye single-leg stance: +21.32 s, 95% CI [10.68, 31.96], d = 0.41). Time×group interactions were significant for BMI (p = 0.012), body fat percentage (p = 0.003), lung capacity (p < 0.001), 1RM squat (p < 0.001), pull-ups (p = 0.001), and maximum squat repetitions (p = 0.006). Movement quality indicators (FMS) showed significant effects only after 36 weeks, with FTG attenuating the decline in trunk stability (p = 0.026), hurdle steps (p = 0.012), and rotational stability (p = 0.040) compared to TPEG. Body composition showed limited between-group differences at individual time points despite significant interactions.

A 36-week structured progressive exercise program was associated with greater improvements in cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and agility than traditional physical education among male adolescents, with duration-dependent adaptations. However, differential attrition (FTG: 46.7% vs. TPEG: 37.3% at 36 weeks) and the absence of dietary control warrant cautious interpretation.