48 Participants Needed

High-Intensity Functional Training for Healthy Individuals

(HIFT Trial)

GF
SM
Overseen ByShawn M Arent, PhD
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that participants are not currently taking medications for high cholesterol, blood sugar, high blood pressure, or blood thinning. If you are on these medications, you would not be eligible to participate.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment High-Intensity Functional Training for healthy individuals?

Research shows that High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) can improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and overall physical performance. Studies have found that HIFT programs enhance muscle recruitment and can lead to better metabolic and cardiorespiratory health, similar to the benefits seen with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength exercises.12345

Is High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) generally safe for humans?

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) has injury rates similar to other exercise activities, with common injuries affecting the shoulders, back, and knees. While most injuries are not severe, some can require surgery, and risk factors include weightlifting exercises, competition participation, and prior injuries. More high-quality studies are needed to fully understand its safety.36789

How does high-intensity functional training differ from other treatments for improving fitness?

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) is unique because it combines high-intensity exercise with functional, multi-joint movements that can be adjusted for any fitness level, unlike traditional exercise which often focuses on single-joint movements. HIFT aims to improve multiple fitness domains, including strength, endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness, by incorporating varied exercises and durations, which may or may not include rest periods.1261011

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) as compared to traditional resistance training (RT) and concurrent training consisting of RT and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical performance metrics, body composition, and mental and physical readiness of tactical personnel.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy tactical personnel interested in improving physical performance, body composition, and readiness. Participants should be currently active in their field without any medical conditions that limit intense exercise.

Inclusion Criteria

BMI between 17.0 and 29.9 kg/m2
Subject has provided written and dated informed consent to participate in the study
Subject is in good health as determined by medical history and is cleared for exercise
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid, adrenal diseases, or any severe electrolyte imbalances.
I have a history of liver, kidney, muscle, autoimmune, or nerve disease.
I have not lost or gained more than 8 pounds in the last 3 months.
See 3 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 weeks

Pre-testing

Participants complete pre-testing sessions including body composition, VO2max, upper and lower body maximal strength, and lower body power assessments

1 week
2 visits (in-person)

Training Intervention

Participants are randomly assigned to one of three training interventions: High-Intensity Functional Training, Traditional Resistance Training, or Concurrent Training, and undergo 8 weeks of training

8 weeks
3 sessions per week (in-person)

Post-testing

Participants complete post-testing sessions similar to pre-testing to assess changes in performance metrics

1 week
2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any delayed effects or additional data collection

2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Concurrent training
  • High-intensity functional training
  • Traditional resistance training
Trial Overview The study compares high-intensity functional training (HIFT) with traditional resistance training (RT) and a combination of RT and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). It measures the impact on fitness levels, body shape changes, and mental/physical preparedness.
Participant Groups
3Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: High Intensity Functional TrainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Training will include power and strength movements, then 30 minutes of metabolic conditioning training comprised of whole-body multi-joint movements.
Group II: Traditional Resistance TrainingActive Control1 Intervention
This group will perform traditional resistance training.
Group III: Concurrent TrainingActive Control1 Intervention
This group will perform traditional resistance training followed by 20 minutes of running, high intensity intervals.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials
233
Recruited
122,000+

National Strength and Conditioning Association

Collaborator

Trials
3
Recruited
110+

National Strength and Conditioning Association

Collaborator

Findings from Research

High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) programs, such as CrossFit and HITT, offer practical benefits for military personnel, including shorter training times and lower injury potential compared to traditional endurance training, while still achieving significant fitness outcomes.
HIFT promotes various health benefits, including improved metabolic conditioning and muscular strength, and is scalable to all fitness levels, making it a recommended standard for military physical training despite the need for further research on its implementation and comparison with traditional training methods.
The Benefits of High-Intensity Functional Training Fitness Programs for Military Personnel.Haddock, CK., Poston, WS., Heinrich, KM., et al.[2022]
High-intensity functional training (HIFT) focuses on functional, multi-joint movements that can be adapted for any fitness level, potentially leading to greater muscle recruitment compared to traditional exercises.
While high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been well-studied for its metabolic and cardiorespiratory benefits, the effects of HIFT are less understood, highlighting the need for further research to evaluate its impact on health and fitness outcomes.
High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): Definition and Research Implications for Improved Fitness.Feito, Y., Heinrich, KM., Butcher, SJ., et al.[2022]
High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) combines elements of high-intensity interval training and strength exercises, leading to improved cardiovascular fitness and strength due to greater muscle recruitment compared to traditional aerobic exercises.
HIFT is associated with enhanced health markers, including cardiovascular and metabolic health, as well as cognitive function, which may contribute to reduced all-cause mortality.
High-Intensity Functional Training: Molecular Mechanisms and Benefits.Ben-Zeev, T., Okun, E.[2022]

References

The Benefits of High-Intensity Functional Training Fitness Programs for Military Personnel. [2022]
High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): Definition and Research Implications for Improved Fitness. [2022]
High-Intensity Functional Training: Molecular Mechanisms and Benefits. [2022]
Changes in body composition, bone metabolism, strength, and skill-specific performance resulting from 16-weeks of HIFT. [2023]
Effects of high-intensity interval training combined with traditional strength or power training on functionality and physical fitness in healthy older men: A randomized controlled trial. [2021]
A 4-Year Analysis of the Incidence of Injuries Among CrossFit-Trained Participants. [2022]
Epidemiology of High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) injuries in Brazil. [2023]
Injuries During High-Intensity Functional Training. [2022]
Injuries During High-Intensity Functional Training: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2022]
Physiological profile comparison between high intensity functional training, endurance and power athletes. [2022]
Cardiorespiratory responses to acute bouts of high-intensity functional training and traditional exercise in physically active adults. [2022]
Unbiased ResultsWe believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your DataWe only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials OnlyAll of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.
Back to top
Terms of Service·Privacy Policy·Cookies·Security