Monitoring Training Load, Well-Being, Heart Rate Variability, and Competitive Performance of a Functional-Fitness Female Athlete: A Case Study

Comparison of physiological and psychobiological acute responses between high intensity functional training and high intensity continuous training

Little is known about the physiological and psychobiological responses that occur during and after high intensity functional training (HIFT). We compared physiological and psychobiological responses during and after a HIFT session with a high intensity continuous training (HICT) session. Twenty-one trained and healthy men were submitted to 20-min session of HIFT and HICT on separate days. The heart rate, blood lactate concentration [Lac], levels of state anxiety, rates of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived discomfort (RPE-D), and affective valence were measured. Exercise intensity of the HICT was adjusted to the mean heart rate obtained in the HIFT session. The highest heart rate in the training sessions was significantly higher in HIFT (mean ​± ​standard deviation [SD]: [187 ​± ​9] bpm) than in HICT (mean ​± ​SD: [178 ​± ​8] bpm, p ​< ​0.001). The [Lac] was significantly higher immediately after the HIFT (median [interquartile range (IQR)]: 6.8 [4.4] mmol/L) than the HICT (median [IQR]: 3.2 [1.9], p ​= ​0.021) and 10 ​min after (median [IQR]: HIFT ​= ​6.8 [4.9] mmol/L, HICT ​= ​2.9 [2.4] mmol/L, p ​= ​0.003). The RPE was also significantly higher in the HIFT (median [IQR]: HIFT ​= ​20 [2], HICT ​= ​15 [5], p ​= ​0.009). The physiological and psychobiological responses compared between HIFT and HICT sessions are similar, except for the higher heart rate obtained during the sessions, [Lac] and RPE. Probably, the results found for the higher heart rate obtained during the sessions, [Lac] and RPE may be explained by the higher participation of the anaerobic glycolytic metabolism during the HIFT session.

Classifying Winning Performances in International Women's Rugby Union

PURPOSE

The efficacy of isolated and relative performance indicators (PIs) has been compared in rugby union; the latter more effective at discerning match outcomes. However, this methodology has not been applied in women's rugby. The aim of this study was to identify PIs that maximize prediction accuracy of match outcome, from isolated and relative data sets, in women's rugby union.

METHODS

Twenty-six PIs were selected from 110 women's international rugby matches between 2017 and 2022 to form an isolated data set, with relative data sets determined by subtracting corresponding opposition PIs. Random forest classification was completed on both data sets, and feature selection and importance were used to simplify models and interpret key PIs. Models were used in prediction on the 2021 World Cup to evaluate performance on unseen data.

RESULTS

The isolated full model correctly classified 75% of outcomes (CI, 65%-82%), whereas the relative full model correctly classified 78% (CI, 69%-86%). Reduced respective models correctly classified 74% (CI, 65%-82%) and 76% (CI, 67%-84%). Reduced models correctly predicted 100% and 96% of outcomes for isolated and relative test data sets, respectively. No significant difference in accuracy was found between data sets. In the relative reduced model, meters made, clean breaks, missed tackles, lineouts lost, carries, and kicks from hand were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased relative meters made, clean breaks, carries, and kicks from hand and decreased relative missed tackles and lineouts lost were associated with success. This information can be utilized to inform physical and tactical preparation and direct physiological studies in women's rugby.

Team's average acute:chronic workload ratio correlates with injury risk in NCAA men's soccer team

BACKGROUND

Research in multiple sports has shown that an individual's acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) correlates with injury. However, tailoring team trainings to each individual's ACWR is technically challenging and has not been found to decrease injury risk.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a more feasible method of utilizing the ACWR for injury prevention in soccer. In a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's soccer team, we assessed whether the team's average ACWR, as opposed to that of each individual, correlated with injuries sustained throughout the season.

DESIGN

Injury and workload data were retrospectively evaluated for all players (n = 23) of an NCAA men's soccer team during one 18-week season. Workload data for five global positioning system (GPS)-derived workload variables (total distance, high-speed distance, accelerations, player load, and average velocity) were used to calculate the team's average daily acute and chronic workloads (accumulated load for each variable during the past 3 and 28 days, respectively), and uncoupled ACWRs (acute workload divided by chronic workload for each variable). A retrospective cohort design was used to compare the team's workloads and ACWRs on days where ≥1 injury occurred versus days where zero injuries occurred using binary logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Trainings/games with injuries had higher acute workloads, lower chronic workloads, and higher ACWRs for all five workload variables. In multivariable analysis, risk factors for injury included a low chronic workload for total distance (odds ratio [OR] 7.23, p = .024) and an ACWR >1.4 for accelerations (OR 4.34, p = .029).

CONCLUSIONS

The team's injury risk was greater with low distance accumulation during the chronic period and with an elevated ACWR for accelerations. Future intervention-based studies aimed at using ACWR load-management principles as a method of decreasing injury risk in soccer can consider tracking the team's average values with the goal of maintaining a consistent chronic workload for total distance and avoiding elevations in the ACWR for accelerations.

High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with Different Types of Exercises on Cardiac Autonomic Function. An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study in CrossFit® Athletes

It is well established that endurance exercise has positive effects on cardiac autonomic function (CAF). However, there is still a dearth of information about the effects of regular high-intensity interval training combined with different types of exercises (HIITCE) on CAF.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare CAF at rest, its reactivity, and reactivation following maximal exercise testing in HIITCE and endurance athletes.

METHODS

An observational study was conducted with 34 male athletes of HIITCE (i.e., CrossFit^®) [HG: n = 18; 30.6 ± 4.8 years] and endurance athletes (i.e., triathlon) [TG.: n = 16; 32.8 ± 3.6 years]. We analyzed 5 min of frequency-domain indices (TP, LF, HF, LFn, HFn, and LF/HF ratio) of heart rate variability (HRV) in both supine and orthostatic positions and its reactivity after the active orthostatic test. Post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) was assessed at 60, 180, and 300 s. Statistical analysis employed a non-parametric test with a p-value set at 5%.

RESULTS

The HG showed reduced HFn and increased LFn modulations at rest (supine). Overall cardiac autonomic modulation (TP) at supine and all indices of HRV at the orthostatic position were similar between groups. Following the orthostatic test, the HG showed low reactivity for all HRV indices compared to TG. After the exercise, HRR does not show a difference between groups at 60 s. However, at 180 and 300 s, an impairment of HRR was observed in HG than in TG.

CONCLUSION

At rest (supine), the HG showed reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic modulation, low reactivity after postural change, and impaired HRR compared to TG.

Training, Wellbeing and Recovery Load Monitoring in Female Youth Athletes

Participation in youth sports is ever-increasing, along with training and competition demands placed upon youth athletes. Young athletes may experience high training loads due to playing several sports, as well as participating in school physical education. Therefore, monitoring youth athlete load is an emerging area of research that may help limit non-functional overreaching, injury, or illness and assist with long-term athlete development. This narrative review highlights that multiple measures have been explored to monitor both internal and external load. However, the validity, reliability and practicality of these measures are often not fully understood in female youth populations. The most commonly used external monitoring methods are GPS tracking and TRIMP whereas common internal monitoring tools are questionnaires, perceived exertion rating and heart rate measures. The reporting of injuries and menstrual cycles is also crucial for providing completeness when monitoring an athlete. It has been suggested that the combination of training load, recovery and wellbeing monitoring variables is the optimal way to monitor an athlete's fatigue levels. Whichever monitoring method is applied, in a youth population it is important that the protocol can be individualised, is inexpensive and can be easily implemented and reported so that the monitoring is sustainable.

Real-Life Application of a Wearable Device towards Injury Prevention in Tennis: A Single-Case Study

The purpose of this article is to present the use of a previously validated wearable sensor device, Armbeep, in a real-life application, to enhance a tennis player’s training by monitoring and analysis of the time, physiological, movement, and tennis-specific workload and recovery indicators, based on fused sensor data acquired by the wearable sensor—a miniature wearable sensor device, designed to be worn on a wrist, that can detect and record movement and biometric information, where the basic signal processing is performed directly on the device, while the more complex signal analysis is performed in the cloud. The inertial measurements and pulse-rate detection of the wearable device were validated previously, showing acceptability for monitoring workload and recovery during tennis practice and matches. This study is one of the first attempts to monitor the daily workload and recovery of tennis players under real conditions. Based on these data, we can instruct the coach and the player to adjust the daily workload. This optimizes the level of an athlete’s training load, increases the effectiveness of training, enables an individual approach, and reduces the possibility of overuse or injuries. This study is a practical example of the use of modern technology in the return of injured athletes to normal training and competition. This information will help tennis coaches and players to objectify their workloads during training and competitions, as this is usually only an intuitive assessment.

Effects of Training Loads on Stress Tolerance and Mucosal Immunity in High-Intensity Functional Fitness Athletes

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the effects of training load on stress tolerance (ST) and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in male and female high-intensity functional fitness (HIFF) athletes during two different 10 and consecutive weekly training volume loads [higher (week 1) and lower volume (week 2)]. Methods: 14 athletes [7 males: 29.3 (±5.8) years; 86.3 (±8.2) kg and 176.8 (±3.8) cm and 7 females: 32.7 (±4.4) years; 60.0 (±6.7) kg and 162.5 (±5.9) cm] participated. The ST, assessed by Daily Analysis of Life Demand in Athletes questionnaire (DALDA) and Saliva sampling were performed in four time-points (pre (T1) and post (T2) week 1; pre (T3) and post (T4) week 2). Results: Female athletes showed a decrease in ST (symptoms of stress) from 15 T1 to T3 [F_(3,36) = 7.184, p˂ 0.001, ηp² = 0.374], without difference in male athletes (p > .05). There is a significant difference of SIgA concentration [F_(3.36) = 3.551; p = .024; ηp² = 0.228], with a significant decrease in female athletes group in T2 compared to T1 (p = .013) and T4 (p = .023). In addition, the different training volume loads did not impact mucosal immunity in male athletes (p > .05). Conclusion: The current findings suggest that higher HIFF volume results in decreased ST and SIgA concentration in female 20 athletes and a subsequent decrease in training volume loads contributed to restoring these variables.

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.

Biological Markers of Training Level among Qualified Greco-Roman Wrestlers

BACKGROUND: The article presents the dynamics of biochemical indicators showing the tension of body functional systems in qualified Greco-Roman wrestlers at the pre-competition stage. Biochemical indicators can be regarded as the markers of training level, as a reflection of adaptive changes during performing training loads. AIM: The study aims to examine the adaptive reactions of body internal systems in wrestlers to the load performed at the stage of pre-competition training. METHODS: The methodological basis of the study is the examination of the reaction of body functional systems in wrestlers (n = 24) in response to the load performed at the stage of pre-competition training. The basis of the studied indicators of wrestlers’ organisms is the dynamics of the enzymatic activity (ALT and AST), the activity of creatine phosphokinase, and the balance of anabolic and catabolic processes in the course of a 2-week macrocycle of the pre-competition training. RESULTS: A high level of enzymatic activity (ALT and AST) was noted as the response to shock training load in the first and the second training macrocycles against the background of a negative trend during the entire sports event, which indicates a directed decrease in the heart’s tension muscle, being an indicator of adaptive changes occurring in wrestlers’ body energy. The high variability of AST indicators on the first day and creatine phosphokinase throughout the entire pre-competition training pointed out an individual level of adaptive reactions of the athletes’ bodies in response to the training load taken. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study have shown notable dynamics in the indicators of the enzymatic activity of AST, creatine phosphokinase, and the hormone cortisol in a series of shock training loads, as the response to adaptive changes in body energy systems, the value of which should be considered during the pre-competition training.

Internal and External Training Workload Quantification in 4 Experienced Paracanoeing Athletes

CONTEXT

Paracanoeing is one of the adapted sports eligible for different motor impairments. The acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) is an index between acute and chronic training workload. However, no studies have analyzed this variable in paracanoeing, relating it with training recovery markers.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to quantify the internal (session rating of perceived exertion) and external (distance traveled and total training time) training workloads in 4 experienced paracanoe athletes over 9 months and 5 canoeing events.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Paralympic Program.

PARTICIPANTS

Four experienced paracanoe athletes participated in 36 weeks of training for 5 events.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

The daily and weekly training workload, monotony, ACWR, distance, and total training time were described for all the training phases. The perceived recovery status scale (PRS) and medicine ball throw (MBT) were used to quantify recovery.

RESULTS

The average daily and weekly training workload varied from 213.1 to 239.3 and 767.3 to 1036.8 arbitrary units, respectively. Average ACWR results ranged from 0.96 to 1.10 in the 4 athletes, findings that were outside the safety zone in 38% of the training weeks. All the correlations between MBT and PRS were classified as weak (ρ between .20 and .39, P > .05). ACWR showed a very weak correlation with MBT and moderately and highly significant correlations with PRS in 2 athletes, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The training workloads of 4 paracanoe athletes may serve as a comparison with other periodization models. Pretraining recovery assessments (MBT and PRS) exhibited a low, nonsignificant correlation. However, ACWR correlated significantly with PRS in 2 athletes and might be a suitable tool for daily training adjustments.

Can Residential Greenspace Exposure Improve Pain Experience? A Comparison between Physical Visit and Image Viewing

Reducing the burden of pain via greenspace exposure is a rising research topic. However, insufficient evidence has been found in relation to the environmental effect itself. Residential greenspace, as a convenient but limited natural environment for urban dwellers, has benefits and services yet to be discovered. Therefore, the current study recruited 24 young adults to evaluate the effects of physical visit to, or image viewing of, residential greenspace on pain perception and related psychophysiological outcomes, via simulated pain. Pain threshold and tolerance were recorded via the level of pain stimuli, and pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The state scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and two adjective pairs were employed to measure the state anxiety and subjective stress, respectively. Meanwhile, heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and blood pressure (BP) were measured to investigate physiological responses. Besides, Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) was also employed to assess participants' preference regarding the experimental environments. The results revealed that visiting the greenspace significantly increased the pain threshold and tolerance, while no significant effect was observed for image viewing. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in pain-related psychophysiological indices between the experimental settings, but significantly negative associations were found between the scores of SBE and subjective stress and state anxiety. In conclusion, the current study brings experimental evidence of improving pain experience via residential greenspace exposure, while the related psychophysiological benefits require further investigation.

Effects of an Injury Prevention Program in CrossFit Athletes: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

The present study aimed to assess the effects of an injury prevention program in CrossFit athletes. Thirty-two CrossFit athletes were randomized to either an intervention group (n=16), that performed mobility and stability exercises during the warm-up of all CrossFit sessions for a 10-week period or to a control group (n=16) that kept performing their usual warm-up. Incidence of injuries (primary outcome) as well as average training loads, fatigue and pain perception were registered during the study. The overall injury incidence rate was 0.04 per 1000 training hours, with no differences between groups (p>0.05). Similarly, no between-group differences were found for injury severity, nor for average training volume, intensity, training load, pain, or fatigue perception during the study (all p>0.05 with trivial-to-small effect sizes). In summary, a 10-week injury prevention program consisting of stability and mobility exercises provided no benefits on injury rates, fatigue and pain perception in recreational CrossFit athletes. Further research might corroborate the preliminary evidence reported here.

Injuries in functional fitness: an updated systematic review

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to analyze injuries of functional fitness participants through a systematic review.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic search of the literature was conducted in CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro, PubMed, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science, supplemented by searching in the grey literature, from 2017 to November 2020. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was documented in the PROSPERO registry (CRD42020201259). Two reviewers independently extracted data including methodological (age, sex, time of practice, location, period, time frame, and completion rate) and injury (definition, diagnosis, prevalence, incidence, severity, mechanism, type, location, risk factors, and treatment) variables, as well as assessing study quality and risk of bias.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Twenty-six studies were included (10967, range 6-3049, participants). Injury was defined fairly differently across studies. The majority of studies used a retrospective study design and the main variables reported were prevalence, body location, and associated factors of injuries. The mean prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries was 32.8%, ranging from 2.4 to 60.6%, and the injury incidence per 1000 hours ranged from 0.21 to 67 36. The most affected body location in the studies was the shoulder, followed by lumbar spine, and knee. Muscle, joint, and ligament/tendon injuries were the most frequently reported. The majority of studies were of moderate methodological quality. All studies were considered as high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

This review broadened the scope of 75 previous reviews on injuries in functional fitness. There have been few investigations regarding severity, mechanism, and treatment of injuries, so further research is warranted.

Acute leucocyte, muscle damage, and stress marker responses to high-intensity functional training

BACKGROUND

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) has become more popular, and the number of practitioners has increased; however, it remains unclear whether perturbations in the immune parameters occur, even after one single bout. Our aim was to examine acute leucocyte, muscle damage, and stress marker responses following a single 'Cindy' workout session, and compare the results between novice and experienced participants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-three HIFT practitioners (age 31.0 ± 1.0 years) completed the 'Cindy' workout. They were categorized as novice (3-8 months of experience; n = 10) and experienced (≥18 months; n = 13). White blood cell (WBC) count, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, blood cortisol level, and lactate concentration were measured. Blood analysis was performed before (pre-ex), immediately after (post-ex), 30 min after (post-30 min), and 24 h after (post-24 h) a single 'Cindy' workout session.

RESULTS

WBC count was higher post-ex (6.8 to 11.8x103/μL) and returned to baseline values within post-30 min (p<0.01). Neutrophil (3.3 to 4.5x103/μL) and lymphocyte levels (2.8 to 5.9x103/μL) were higher post-ex and returned to baseline values after post-24 h, yet lymphocytopoenia (2.2x103/μL) was observed at post-30 min (p<0.01). CK increased post-ex (174.9 to 226.7 U.L-1) and remained elevated post-24 h. Cortisol (14.7 to 17.0 μg/dL) and lactate (1.9 to 13.5 mmol.l-1) responses increased post-ex, but only the lactate level was reduced at post-30 min (p<0.01). The experienced participants had higher WBC, lymphocyte, and cortisol concentrations post-ex than the novice ones (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A single HIFT session elicited significant acute perturbations in WBC count, stress markers, and muscle tissue, which is like other similar regimens. Importantly, the experienced participants showed greater lymphocyte and cortisol responses than the novice ones.

CrossFit® Training Strategies from the Perspective of Concurrent Training: A Systematic Review

In the basic principles of CrossFit®, the goal is to improve fitness, related to the simultaneous development of strength and endurance. This is also the main idea of concurrent training, which has been researched since the 1980s. This article aimed to analyze the acute and chronic effects of CrossFit® and to assess the relevance of using the concurrent training methodology. The findings show that CrossFit® is an intense form of exercise that affects the function of the endocrine, immune, and central nervous systems. It also has potential in the development of strength and endurance parameters. These conclusions were compared with relevant concurrent training studies. Although the CrossFit® interventions (workouts of the day) have much in common with concurrent training, methodological recommendations can only be partially transferred. The approach for training and athlete development must be based on the originality of this sport.

Athlete-Reported Outcome Measures for Monitoring Training Responses: A Systematic Review of Risk of Bias and Measurement Property Quality According to the COSMIN Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Athlete-reported outcome measures (AROMs) are frequently used in research and practice but no studies have examined their psychometric properties.

OBJECTIVES

Part 1-identify the most commonly used AROMs in sport for monitoring training responses; part 2-assess risk of bias, measurement properties, and level of evidence, based on the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Methodological quality of the studies, quality of measurement properties, and level of evidence were determined using the COSMIN checklist and criteria.

RESULTS

Part 1-from 9446 articles screened for title and abstract, 310 out of 334 full texts were included; 53.9% of the AROMs contained multiple items, while 46.1% contained single items. Part 2-from 1895 articles screened for title and abstract, 71 were selected. Most measurement properties of multiple-item AROMs were adequate, but content validity and measurement error were inadequate. With the exclusion of 2 studies examining reliability and responsiveness, no validity studies were found for single items.

CONCLUSIONS

The measurement properties of multiple-item AROMs derived from psychometrics were acceptable (with the exclusion of content validity and measurement error). The single-item AROMs most frequently used in sport science have not been validated. Additionally, nonvalidated modified versions of the originally nonvalidated items are common. Until proper validation studies are completed, all conclusions based on these AROMs are questionable. Established reference methods, such as those of clinimetrics, should be used to develop and assess the validity of AROMs.

Effects of Six Weeks of High-Intensity Functional Training on Physical Performance in Participants with Different Training Volumes and Frequencies

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) is characterized by presenting high volumes and training intensities with constantly varied exercises. The aim of this study was to analyze the internal training load and the effects of high-intensity functional training on physical performance in subjects with different training volumes and frequencies. A total of 31 volunteers involved in high-intensity functional training (14 men and 17 women) were divided according to their training volumes and frequencies (high training-volume and frequency-HTVF; (n = 17) (nine women and eight men; age: 31.0 ± 6.3 years; height: 168.8 ± 8.1 cm, body weight: 73.6 ± 11.9 kg; BMI: 25.96 kg/m²) and moderate training volume and frequency-MTVF; (n = 14) (eight women and six men; age: 26.6 ± 4.7 years; height: 167.2 ± 8.6 cm, body weight: 75.8 ± 18.0 kg; BMI: 27.33 kg/m²)). The internal training load was determined using the session-rating of perceived exertion method. The monotony index (MI) and training strain (TS) were used to determine training variability during the training weeks. Countermovement vertical jump height, 20-m sprinting and handgrip strength were assessed at baseline and after six weeks of training. There was a time effect for MI ((F_{(5, 145)} = 5.942; p = 0.0001)), TS ((F_{(5, 145)} = 5.734; p = 0.0001)), weekly internal training load ((F_{(4.006, 116.87)} = 4.188; p = 0.003)) and mean weekly internal training load ((F_{(4.006, 116.87)} = 4.188; p = 0.003)). There was no increase in performance in either group for countermovement vertical jump height ((F_(1,29) = 6.081; p = 0.050)), sprinting ((F_(1,29) = 1.014; p = 0.322)), right handgrip strength ((F_(1,29) = 2.522; p = 0.123)) or left handgrip strength ((F_(1,29) = 2.550; p = 0.121)). The current findings suggest that six weeks of high-intensity functional training was not able to increase performance in either group. Therefore, different volumes and frequencies do not seem to influence the increase in physical performance of HIFT practitioners.

Session Rating of Perceived Exertion Is a Superior Method to Monitor Internal Training Loads of Functional Fitness Training Sessions Performed at Different Intensities When Compared to Training Impulse

Despite its increase in popularity, little is known about how to best quantify internal training loads from functional fitness training (FFT) sessions. The purpose of this study was to assess which method [training impulse (TRIMP) or session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE)] is more accurate to monitor training loads in FFT. Eight trained males (age 28.1 ± 6.0 years) performed an ALL-OUT FFT session and an intensity-controlled session (RPE of six out of 10). Internal load was determined via Edward's TRIMP (eTRIMP), Bannister's TRIMP (bTRIMP), and sRPE. Heart rate was measured continuously during the session, while blood lactate and rate of perceived exertion were measured at baseline, and immediately and 30 min after the sessions. ALL-OUT blood lactate and RPE were significantly higher immediately and 30 min after the session compared to the RPE6 condition. ALL-OUT training load was significantly different between conditions using bTRIMP (61.1 ± 10.6 vs. 55.7 ± 12.4 AU) and sRPE (91.7 ± 30.4 vs. 42.6 ± 14.9 AU), with sRPE being more sensitive to such differences [p = 0.045, effect size (ES) = 0.76 and p = 0.002, ES = 1.82, respectively]. No differences in the training loads of the different sessions were found using eTRIMP (93.1 ± 9.5 vs. 84.9 ± 13.7 AU, p = 0.085). Only sRPE showed a significant correlation with lactate 30 min post session (p = 0.015; p = 0.596, large). sRPE was more accurate than both TRIMP methods to represent the overall training load of the FFT sessions. While the use of sRPE is advised, further research is necessary to establish its ability to reflect changes in fitness, fatigue, and performance during a period of training.

Time-Course of Changes in Physiological, Psychological, and Performance Markers following a Functional-Fitness Competition

Functional Fitness Training (FFT) programs are characterized by utilizing a high volume of training and using a variety of high intensity exercises. While FFT are growing in the number of practitioners and popularity, the relationship between physiological biomarkers and subjective scales in the specific context of FFT has not yet been evaluated in the literature. The purpose of the present study was to monitor the time-course response of cytokines (IL-10 and 1L-1β), immune variables (C-reactive protein -CRP and immunoglobulin A-IgA), hormonal milieu (cortisol-C, total testosterone-TT, free testosterone-FT and testosterone/cortisol-T/C ratio), creatine kinase-CK, muscle performance (countermovement jump height) and perceived well-being (WB) following a functional fitness competition. Nine amateur male athletes (age 27.1 ± 4.1 years; training experience 2.2 ± 1.3 years) completed five workouts over three consecutive days of FFT-competition. All variables were measured before, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h following the last day of competition. The FFT-competition induced a decrease in IL10/IL1β ratio approximately 5% after 24h, 21% after 48h and 31% after 72h. Delta T/C ratio remained unchanged during the post-competition period. IgA displayed a significant increase 24h and 72h post FFT-competition. The WB status score was higher 72h after the FFT-competition as compared with pre-competition. The present findings suggest that FFT-competition induces transient changes in some inflammatory and hormonal biomarkers, and perceived well-being seems to be efficient to detect changes in muscle performance.

Is Perceived Exertion a Useful Indicator of the Metabolic and Cardiovascular Responses to a Metabolic Conditioning Session of Functional Fitness?

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the self-regulation of training intensity based on rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a reliable method to control the intensity during metabolic conditioning sessions of functional fitness. In addition, the relationship between RPE and the changes in heart rate, number of repetitions, and lactate responses was also analyzed. Eight male participants (age 28.1 ± 5.4 years; body mass 77.2 ± 4.4 kg; VO₂ max: 52.6 ± 4.6 mL·(kg·min)⁻¹ completed two sessions (five to seven days apart), in a randomized order, under different conditions, as follows: (1) all-out (ALL), or (2) self-regulation of intensity based on an RPE of six (hard) on the Borg CR-10 scale (RPE6). The rating of perceived exertion, lactate (LAC), and heart rate (HR) response were measured before, during, and immediately after the sessions. The RPE and LAC during the all-out sessions were higher (p < 0.0005) than the RPE6 session for all of the analyzed time points during the session. There was no difference in the HR area under the curve for the all-out and RPE6 sessions. The average number of repetitions performed was lower (p ≤ 0.009) for the RPE6 session (190.5 ± 12.5 repetitions) when compared to the all-out session (214.4 ± 18.6 repetitions). There was a significant correlation between the RPE and LAC (p = 0.005; r = 0.66; large) and number of repetitions during the session (p = 0.026; r = 0.55; large). No correlation was observed between the RPE and HR (p = 0.147; r = 0.380). These results indicate that the self-regulation of intensity of effort based on the RPE may be a useful tool to control the exercise intensity during a metabolic conditioning session of functional fitness.