International Consensus on the Definition of Functional Training: Modified e-Delphi Method
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Journal Article
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Taylor and Francis Group
Abstract
The inconsistency and disparities in existing functional training definitions have led to confusion when explaining the concept and its potential. The wide range of interpretations suggests that any training approach could be deemed functional, thereby diminishing the significance of the term and significantly limiting its understanding and application. Thus, this paper aimed to develop the first consensual definition of functional training using an international e-Delphi method. From a panel of 31 experts initially selected, 13 participated in the consensus. The panel presented the following definition: 'Functional training is a physical interventional approach that contributes to the enhancement of human performance, according to individual goals, in sports, daily life, rehabilitation, or fitness, and takes into consideration the specificity of the task and the unique responsiveness of each individual'. However, redundancy of the functional training definition emerged as a relevant consideration for this conceptual and methodological advancement, and a proposal to avoid the distinction between functional training and the general concept of training was presented (i.e., no real use of functional training as a concept). It was proposed that a training program or regimen could be analyzed based on a continuum of functionality, which could support further developments in this topic.Description
Keywords
conceptualization, exercise, function, functionality, Movement, sport, Movement, conceptualization, exercise, function, functionality, sport, 4201 Allied Health and Rehabilitation Science, 42 Health Sciences, Rehabilitation, 1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy, Sport Sciences, 3202 Clinical sciences, 4207 Sports science and exercise, 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
Source
Journal of Sports Sciences, ISSN: 0264-0414 (Print); 1466-447X (Online), Taylor and Francis Group, 43(8), 767-775. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2025.2477393
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This is the Preprint version of an article published in the Journal of Sports Sciences. Note that the Preprint has not been peer-reviewed. The Version of Record is © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group, and available at DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2025.2477393.