Functional fitness / High intensity functional training is an emerging exercise trend that emphasizes functional, multi-joint movements performed at high intensity. This practice includes weightlifting, powerlifting and traditional resistance-training exercises, calisthenics and gymnastics and also repetitive aerobic exercises such as biking, rowing and running. In addition, an endless range of conventional and non-conventional equipment is utilized for the workouts (e.g., kettlebells, sleds, barbells and power plates, medballs, assault bikes, curved treadmills, etc.). Functional fitness / high intensity functional training has been proposed to populations with different fitness levels and is hypothesized to elicit greater muscle recruitment than aerobic exercises, thereby improving to a greater extent endurance, muscular strength and power. However, Functional fitness / High intensity functional training workouts are extremely varied on a daily bases including the type of exercises, intensity and volume (i.e., length of intervals, work-to-rest ratios, loads) and the configuration (i.e., as many repetitions as possible [AMRAP], every minute on the minute [EMOM], for time, Tabata). Such a variety of workouts along with the limited research developed in this area to date has set a gap in the scientific literature.
This special issue welcomes original research, reviews, data reports and opinions about: 1) potential responses and adaptations to any form of functional fitness / high intensity functional training workouts (i.e. biomechanics, physiology, bioenergetics, psychology, etc.), 2) performance profile of athletes competing in functional fitness / high intensity functional training disciplines (i.e. CrossFit®), 3) nutritional and recovery strategies to optimize performance and 4) potential risks and epidemiology of injuries for being involved in this exercise modality.
- Acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations (e.g., cardiovascular, metabolic or neuromuscular) in response to functional fitness / high intensity functional training.
- Acute and chronic biomechanical responses and adaptations in response to functional fitness / high intensity functional training.
- Acute and chronic psychological responses and adaptations in response to functional fitness / high intensity functional training.
- Performance profile of athletes competing in functional fitness / high intensity functional training disciplines.
- Monitoring functional fitness / high intensity functional training performance.
- Nutritional and recovery strategies (e.g., caffeine, creatine, P-synephrine, nitrates, sodium bicarbonate or b-alanine) to optimize performance in functional fitness / high intensity functional training.
- Potential risks and epidemiology of injuries in functional fitness / high intensity functional training.
We would like to acknowledge
Dr.Marcos Soriano who has acted as coordinator and has contributed to the preparation of the proposal for this Research Topic.
