Functional training versus aerobic training: effects on the motor skills of sedentary adults

Aim. Functional training is a method which is widely diffused in the scope of motor activities for physical efficiency intended for adults. This method which is increasingly being used alongside traditional aerobic training must be analyzed to see the adaptations it favors in adults. The aim of this study was to describe the different adaptations and the different effects of functional training and of aerobic training with cardio fitness equipment on the motor skills of active adults.Methods. The study was conducted with active adults (N.=75, 37 males, 38 females) randomly divided into 2 groups: the functional training group (FT, N.=38) with a respective age, weight and height (mean +/- SD) of 50.7 +/- 2.02 years, 65.4 +/- 8.80 kg, 168 +/- 2.5 cm.; the aerobic training group (AT, N.=37) with a respective age, weight and height of 51.4 +/- 1.50 years, 66.8 +/- 8.52 kg, 169 +/- 3.8 cm. The sample followed the two different training programmes assigned for 10 weeks (3 times a week); before and after the training period (T0 and T1) the maximal strength of the upper and lower limbs was assessed indirectly, the flexibility, the dynamic balance skill, the walking speed and the VO2max were also assessed indirectly.Results. In the FT group statistically significant increases emerged in flexibility (P<0.001) in dynamic balance (P<0.01) and in walking speed (P<0.01); in the AT group increases in performance emerged in the value of VO2max (P<0.001) and in the maximal strength test of the lower limbs (P<0.01); Anova returned differences between the groups in the VO2max and in the maximal strength value of the lower limbs (P<0.001) in favor of the AT group.Conclusion. Following 10 weeks of training, the two types of activities show different adaptations: functional training appears to be more suited to increasing flexibility, walking speed and dynamic balance; aerobic training with cardio fitness equipment favours important adaptations in the value of VO2max and in the strength of the lower limbs, the latter are attributable to the equipment used which favors positive transfers between different skills.