Aging & Society: Eighth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) programs, such as CrossFit® training, consists of a variety of functional movements performed at high intensities. Considering its growing popularity and lack of concrete evidence, the purpose of this paper is fourfold. The study examines the effects of high intensity functional training protocols on physiological variables (e.g. VO2max, HR, lactate, power output, etc.), compares the acute and prolong effects of this training methodology on cardiac autonomic control (e.g. HRV, epinephrine, cortisol), provides insight into the psychological variables affecting motivation to participate in this new training modality, and provides evidence-based recommendations for the appropriate use of this training modality for older individuals. Based on the available evidence, and work from our laboratory at Kennesaw State University (USA), we believe this training modality could provide significant improvements in quality of life for older adults, and potentially mitigate the physiological changes that occur as a result of aging.