Comparison of a 36-week functional training program versus traditional physical education on physical fitness in male adolescents: a longitudinal school-based study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence comparing functional training with traditional physical education in Chinese high schools is limited. This longitudinal study compared a 36-week functional training program versus standard physical education on fitness and health markers in male adolescents. METHODS: Male adolescents (N = 670; aged 16-18 years) from 18 high schools were allocated to a functional training group (FTG, n = 351) or traditional physical education group (TPEG, n = 319). Nineteen fitness indicators were assessed at baseline (T1), post-Phase I at 18 weeks (T2), pre-Phase II after summer holiday (T3), and post-Phase II at 36 weeks (T4). Analyses compared T1 vs. T2 (18-week effects) and T1 vs. T4 (36-week effects); T3 served as a pre-Phase II reassessment and was not analyzed as an outcome time point. Linear mixed models (LMMs) with baseline adjustment and school-level random intercepts served as the primary analysis, with t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA as secondary analyses. RESULTS: LMMs revealed significant group effects favoring FTG for cardiovascular endurance (resting pulse: -2.34 bpm, 95% CI [-4.26, -0.42], d = 0.24; 1,000-m run: -15.36 s, 95% CI [-20.03, -10.69], d = 0.53), muscular strength (1RM squat: +2.81 kg, 95% CI [1.95, 3.67], d = 0.45; pull-ups: +0.61 reps, 95% CI [0.24, 0.98], d = 0.21), agility (T-test: -0.22 s, 95% CI [-0.40, -0.04], d = 0.26), and balance (closed-eye single-leg stance: +21.32 s, 95% CI [10.68, 31.96], d = 0.41). Time×group interactions were significant for BMI (p = 0.012), body fat percentage (p = 0.003), lung capacity (p < 0.001), 1RM squat (p < 0.001), pull-ups (p = 0.001), and maximum squat repetitions (p = 0.006). Movement quality indicators (FMS) showed significant effects only after 36 weeks, with FTG attenuating the decline in trunk stability (p = 0.026), hurdle steps (p = 0.012), and rotational stability (p = 0.040) compared to TPEG. Body composition showed limited between-group differences at individual time points despite significant interactions. CONCLUSION: A 36-week structured progressive exercise program was associated with greater improvements in cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and agility than traditional physical education among male adolescents, with duration-dependent adaptations. However, differential attrition (FTG: 46.7% vs. TPEG: 37.3% at 36 weeks) and the absence of dietary control warrant cautious interpretation.