High-intensity functional training (HIFT) in primary physical education: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v82.119122Keywords:
children, crossfit, physical education, primary school, HIFTAbstract
Introduction: This systematic review examined the available evidence on high-intensity functional training (HIFT), including CrossFit-based interventions, implemented in primary school physical education settings.
Objective: The aim was to synthesize intervention characteristics and explore their effects on physical fitness, physiological load, psychosocial outcomes, and cognitive performance.
Methodology: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, WOS, Scopus, and Dialnet in October 2025 following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible peer-reviewed studies involving HIFT-based interventions in primary education were included.
Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The included studies showed substantial heterogeneity in design, duration (single sessions to 12 weeks), and outcome measures.
Discussion: Limited evidence suggests that HIFT-based interventions may be associated with improvements in physical fitness components, particularly muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness, and may have positive effects on psychosocial outcomes such as motivation and perceived competence. Evidence regarding cognitive outcomes was inconsistent and remains insufficient. No adverse events were reported; however, the small number of studies and their methodological limitations preclude firm conclusions regarding safety and effectiveness. Due to heterogeneity and limited comparability across studies, meta-analysis was not conducted, and findings should be interpreted with caution.
Conclusion: HIFT-based interventions appear to be a feasible approach for primary school physical education, but the current evidence base is limited and methodologically weak. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish robust conclusions regarding effectiveness and safety.
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