Mustafa Ali Khan
Associate Professor, Aga Khan University
Title: Perceptions Of The Trainers And Clients Regarding Better Outcome Of Functional Vs Tradition Training: Pilot study
Biography
Biography: Mustafa Ali Khan
Abstract
In today’s arena it is still a matter of debate whether functional training (FT) versus traditional training (TT) is beneficial for health outcome likewise cardiac wellness, prevention of obesity and prevention of diabetes. The diseases will be prevented through muscle strengthening, and conditioning with the help of exercises. FT defined as performing of exercises that promote the function of joints that require stabilization are different from exercises that promote the function of joints that strive for mobility. The primary function of certain muscles and muscle groups is stabilization. FT training for those muscles involves training them to be better stabilizers, often by performing simple exercises through small ranges of motion. However, TT defined as through traditional strength training techniques, which are more common among average workout enthusiasts at individual muscle. Literature have been identified that there is a difference on fitness, postures, physiological, and body composition changes. Therefore, there was a need to conduct an explorative qualitative study to identify the perceptions of the trainer and the clients who have been exposing to traditional and functional training. Total of five trainers and 10 clients were interviewed by the investigators, using open ended questionnaire. Each interview was conducted for at least 20-30mins after verbal consent was taken. The content analysis strategy was performed to code the words and sentences. Later the codes were merged together to develop the categories and theme. There were two themes identified fitness outcome and health outcome. Fitness outcome identified eight categories likewise Strength of Muscle, body age, etc and health outcome identified four categories likewise body composition, etc. It was identified that overall both types of training are effective with different outcomes but dependent of the age, gender, occupation and past history of injury or diseases of the person. However, as a general fitness FT is best for almost all the individuals. We recommend that FT should be promoted, by having competent trainers and awareness among the general population.