The Effects of Functional Training on Muscle Strength in Athletes: A Meta-Analysis

The study aimed to analyze the effects of functional training (FT) on athletes muscle strength compared to traditional resistance training (TRT). A systematic search was conducted in 6 databases from inception to January 2024. Baseline and outcome measures from randomized controlled trials (RCT) were assessed for the impact of FT on athlete muscle strength, across sex, age, and sports levels. Hedges g effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model, and subgroup and single training factor analyses were performed to address potential sources of heterogeneity, along with a meta-regression analysis. The inclusion of 67 studies involving 1718 athletes revealed significant moderate to large effects of FT on maximum strength (k=11; ES=2.68; p[≤] 0.001), power (k=12; ES=0.68; p<0.001), as well as muscle endurance(k=12; ES=4.13; p<0.001).In conclusion, FT appears to offer potential benefits for enhancing muscle strength in athletes, with considerations for individual differences in sex, age, and training programs. Findings suggest that longer training sessions may be associated with improvements in maximum strength and muscle endurance, whereas shorter sessions might be more conducive to power development. Additionally, preliminary evidence hints that younger athletes may experience more pronounced training benefits, though this observation requires further investigation to establish a more definitive correlation.