Sports Injury Prevention and Functional Training: A Literature Review

OBJECTIVES The aim of this review study was to proposes a new paradigm of functional injury prevention(FIP) based on analysis of the effects of sports injury prevention(SIP) and functional training(FT). METHODS The literature used in the study is based on the electronic database and international papers published from 2014 to 2021 related to functional training were searched, screened and evaluated by using the follow keywords: functional training, sports injury, rehabilitation, and prevention. RESULTS FT was divided into the concept of training both improving the sports performance and restoring physical function in the field of rehabilitation. In two areas, FT and SIP are somewhat different in approach method, object and environment, but they are highly correlated that both the activation of proprioceptive sensation and integrated neuromuscular function are reflected in training program. Especially, intrinsic injury factors such as reduced physical ability, skills and conditioning are associated with reduction of sports performance and increased sports injury. In addition, decreased proprioceptive sensation and neuromuscular function is a typical symptom of reduction of sports performance and injury. Therefore, FIP is needed as a training program that not only to prevent sports injury but also to improve sports performance. CONCLUSIONS In this review study, FIP is propose as a new paradigm combining SIP and FT. The follow-up study of FIP should be reviewed on athletes, club members and the general public for the development of programs to prevent sports injury and improve sports performance and the effects by sports events, body parts and age.