The Benefits of Using Multiple Practitioners for Functional Training

Functional strength training focuses on building the muscular power and joint mobility needed to perform everyday tasks, whether that’s rising from a chair, carrying groceries, or climbing stairs. For seniors and individuals recovering from injury, these skills are vital for maintaining independence and reducing reliance on carers. 

No single practitioner can address every facet of functional performance. By bringing together physiotherapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and exercise physiologists (EPs), clients receive: 

• Movement assessment and tailored exercise prescription (PT) 
• Task-specific adaptation and environmental modification (OT) 
• Endurance and strength programming (EP) 

This collaborative model ensures that interventions not only build raw strength, but also translate into safer, more efficient performance of daily activities, maximising both physical capacity and functional independence Better Health Channel.

What is the purpose of strength and mobility activities to improve functional strength?

Functional training combines mobility and strength exercises in movements that mimic daily tasks. The purpose is to: 

1. Optimize Movement Patterns 

• Mobility drills (e.g. hip flexor stretches, thoracic rotations) restore range of motion to support squat-to-stand transfers and reaching tasks. 

2. Build Task-Specific Strength 

• Exercises like sit-to-stand squats, step-ups, and loaded carries directly strengthen the muscles used in ADLs (activities of daily living). 

3. Enhance Coordination and Balance 

• Incorporating multi-planar movements challenges stability, reducing fall risk during everyday activities. 

Evidence shows that resistance training focusing on functional, weight-bearing exercises improves muscle strength and supports independence in daily routines. 

Physio Inq practitioners, through mobile Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, integrate these activities into personalised programs delivered in the home environment.

Is it better to use multiple sets of an exercise to develop strength?

Exercise prescription for strength gains typically follows these principles: 

• Progressive Overload: Gradually increasing resistance to challenge muscles. 
• Volume (Sets × Reps): Beginners often start with 1 set of 8–12 repetitions; over 4–6 weeks, aim for 2–3 sets as tolerated. 
• Frequency: Performing strengthening exercises at least twice per week is recommended to build and maintain muscle mass. 

Studies suggest that moving from single-set to multiple-set protocols (e.g. 3 sets of 8–12 reps) yields superior strength improvements, provided proper technique and recovery are maintained Better Health Channel. 

At Physio Inq, our Exercise Physiology service monitors set and rep schemes closely, adjusting variables like load, rest intervals, and exercise selection to ensure safe, progressive strength development.

What are the functional benefits of strength training?

Strength training yields a host of practical, real-world benefits: 

• Safer Transfers: Increased lower-limb strength makes standing from chairs and beds easier and reduces fall risk. 
• Improved Stair Negotiation: Stronger quadriceps and glutes allow for confident ascent and descent of stairs. 
• Enhanced Carrying Capacity: Upper-body work (e.g. farmer’s carries) translates to easier handling of groceries, laundry, or grandchildren. 
• Greater Endurance for Household Tasks: Combined strength and cardiovascular training help sustain activities like vacuuming or gardening without fatigue. 

These outcomes are supported by research demonstrating that weight-bearing, functional exercises improve independence in daily living activities Better Health Channel. 

Physio Inq’s multidisciplinary team ensures that each exercise prescription directly maps to clients’ personal goals, whether that’s cooking a meal or navigating public transport. 

Is functional strength training used to give a person strength for daily activities? 

Yes: functional strength training is explicitly designed to provide the muscular power needed for everyday tasks. Key characteristics include: 

• Multi-Joint Movements: Exercises such as squats and lunges engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, mirroring real-life demands. 
• Contextual Practice: Therapists incorporate props (e.g. groceries, water jugs) and replicate home-based movements during sessions. 
• Progression Towards Independence: Early sessions may use assistance (e.g. TRX support); as strength increases, assistance is tapered to encourage autonomy. 

By focusing on movements rather than isolated muscles, functional training ensures that strength gains directly benefit daily life, supporting safer mobility, improved posture, and enhanced confidence Better Health Channel. 

At Physio Inq, we blend Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Exercise Physiology to create comprehensive programs that equip clients to meet the physical demands of their routines. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why combine mobility and strength exercises? 

A: Integrating mobility ensures joints move freely through the full range required for strength-based tasks, reducing injury risk and improving functional performance. 

Q2. How many sets and reps are optimal for seniors starting strength training? 

A: Begin with 1–2 sets of 8–12 reps twice weekly, progressing to 2–3 sets as strength and confidence grow, under professional supervision Better Health Channel. 

Q3. Can functional training reduce my need for assistance? 

A: Yes: stronger muscles and improved balance decrease reliance on carers for transfers, walking, and household chores. 

Q4. Do I need special equipment? 

A: No. Body-weight exercises, resistance bands, or everyday items (water bottles, groceries) can effectively build functional strength. 

Q5. How long before I notice improvements? 

A: Many clients feel stronger within 4–6 weeks, with continued gains in mobility and independence over several months. 

Building functional strength through a collaborative team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and exercise physiologists accelerates real-world independence and reduces the risk of falls and injury. By aligning mobility drills, strength protocols, and task-specific practice with your daily goals, you’ll regain confidence and capability in everyday activities. 

Take the Next Step: 

Ready to enhance your functional strength? Contact us to arrange a personalised assessment. Explore our multidisciplinary services: 

• Physiotherapy 

• Occupational Therapy 

• Exercise Physiology 

Strength in numbers leads to strength in function, let our team support your journey to greater independence today.

Date Published: Tuesday, May 6, 2025