30‑Year Longitudinal Self‑Study on Age‑Related Athletic Decline Under Functional Patterns Training (by Naudi Aguilar)

# 30‑Year Longitudinal Self‑Study on Age‑Related Athletic Decline Under Functional Patterns Training (Functional Patterns by Naudi Aguilar) **Participant:** Alain Georges Schaerer **Start Age:** 28 **Study Duration:** 30 years **Study Type:** Single‑Subject (n=1) Longitudinal Case Study **Testing Frequency:** At least every 4 months --- ## 1. Purpose of the Study This 30‑year longitudinal self‑study will track changes in athletic performance while training exclusively or primarily with the Functional Patterns methodology. The goal is to determine whether long‑term Functional Patterns practice can meaningfully influence the typical age‑related decline observed in speed, power, and throwing performance --- ## 2. Athletic Performance Metrics The following metrics will be measured at least every 4 months: ### 2.1 Top Sprint Speed - Measured using the **Fiyrpod GPS system AND/OR a laser‑based timing system**. ### 2.2 Standing Vertical Jump Height - Measured using the **OVR Jump Device** and/or a **Vertec**. ### 2.3 Broad Jump Distance - Measured using a **standard measuring tape**. ### 2.4 Baseball Throwing Velocity - Measured using a **radar gun** with a **standard men’s baseball**. ### 2.5 Morning Bodyweight - Measured using a scale. - Logged in Excel (not filmed). --- ## 3. Testing Conditions ### 3.1 Frequency and Timing - Testing occurs **at least every 4 months**, on any day of the month. - Tests may be spread across several days. - Tests may occur at any time of day. - Tests may be performed in any order (“ad‑lib order”). ### 3.2 Filming Protocol All performance tests except bodyweight will be filmed using a smartphone or a different video recording device. Each video must: - Show the measuring device clearly. - Show the recorded result (speed, jump height, distance, radar reading). - Capture full movement. - Be uploaded to **YouTube or any other video platform** with: - **Date in the title** - Brief description of the test(s) ### 3.3 Environment Logging (Minimal) Weather conditions will **not** be logged. Only optional minimal notes may be recorded: - Location (e.g., track, turf, gym) - Surface type (e.g., turf, hardwood, track) - Footwear (optional) - Injury notes (optional) Environmental variation is allowed and expected. --- ## 4. Training Protocol (Functional Patterns) The participant will train **exclusively or primarily using Functional Patterns** as the strength & conditioning methodology. --- ## 5. Data Recording System ### 5.1 Spreadsheet Log For each testing cycle, the participant will record: - Testing date(s) - Morning bodyweight - Top speed - Vertical jump height - Broad jump distance - Throwing velocity - Optional notes (injuries, location, surface) - Comments - Testing devices and circumstances (e.g., sprinting distance/setup) ### 5.2 Data Backup Raw data will be backed up: 1. In cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive / OneDrive) 2. On an external SSD 3. On a video platform (e.g., YouTube) for documentation **Technology & Data Longevity:** - Videos may be stored on any current or future video‑hosting platform. If platforms become unavailable, the participant may migrate all video data to new services or local storage without altering the study design. - **Video files may be converted to updated formats** as needed to preserve long‑term accessibility, without altering content. --- ## 6. Testing Protocol Details ### 6.1 Sprint Top Speed - **Fiyrpod GPS system AND/OR a laser‑based timing system.** - (Optional notation) If a flying segment is used in any session, the **lead‑in distance** and **flying distance** will be noted (e.g., “30 m fly‑in + flying 10 m”). ### 6.2 Vertical Jump - Measured using OVR or Vertec. - Device should remain consistent when possible. - Device changes must be noted. ### 6.3 Broad Jump - Measured using a standard measuring tape. - Takeoff and landing fully visible in video. ### 6.4 Throwing Velocity - Measured using a radar gun. - Radar reading must be visible on camera. - Standard men’s baseball used each time. --- ## 7. Video Documentation Requirements Each video will: 1. Begin with a verbal date. 2. Show the measurement device. 3. Capture full movement and the recorded result. 4. Be uploaded to **YouTube** (or another platform) under a clearly dated title. Recommended playlists (if the platform supports them): - Sprint Tests - Vertical Jump Tests - Broad Jump Tests - Throw Velocity Tests --- ## 8. Termination / Opt‑Out Criteria The study will be terminated early under any of the following conditions: 1. **Dramatic Injury / Permanent Disability** - Any life‑altering injury preventing athletic testing. 2. **Dramatic Sickness** - Major illnesses such as cancer or severe systemic conditions that make continued testing unsafe. 3. **Dramatic Uncontrollable Circumstances** - Natural disasters, long-term disruptions, or major life events making continuation impossible. 4. **Medical Advice to Cease Activity** - A doctor advises against further testing. **Temporary injuries or illnesses do NOT terminate the study.** Performance during injury periods must still be logged (or marked “injured” or “sick”). --- ## 9. Data Integrity - The testing protocol will remain consistent for 30 years. - Equipment will remain consistent where possible. - All deviations (equipment change, injuries, unusual circumstances) will be documented. - Raw video and performance data will remain publicly accessible on a video platform. If any **measurement** device becomes obsolete or unsupported, the participant may replace it with the closest modern equivalent, noting the date of change. --- ## 10. Expected Outcomes This study does not predict improvements or declines in advance. Instead, it aims to: - Document the natural aging trajectory - Compare actual results to expected biological decline - Evaluate whether Functional Patterns training meaningfully alters long‑term performance trends --- ## 11. Ethical Considerations This is a self-directed study with a single participant (the investigator). No IRB approval is required. No other human subjects are involved. --- ## 12. Baseline Testing The participant will perform **three** separate baseline sessions before the first test cycle begins. Average values from these sessions will be considered the formal baseline. --- ## 13. Conflict of Interest The participant (Alain Georges Schaerer) may, at any time during the 30‑year study, (a) be certified by Functional Patterns (FP), (b) be employed by an FP‑affiliated facility, and/or (c) **own or hold a financial interest in an FP‑affiliated facility**. These actual or potential affiliations, including revenue derived from FP services, products, or facilities, could be perceived as conflicts of interest. **Bias‑mitigation and transparency measures:** - The testing protocol, metrics, devices, filming rules, and analysis plan are predetermined and publicly documented. - Raw videos and raw metric outputs will be archived and made publicly accessible. - Any change in FP affiliations (certification, employment, ownership, sponsorship, revenue relationships) will be disclosed in the OSF Wiki with the **date of change** and a brief note. - Device substitutions or methodological deviations will be logged with dates and reasons. --- ## 14. Role of Functional Patterns in the Study Functional Patterns has **no role** in the study design, data collection schedule, device selection, data analysis, interpretation, or decisions to disseminate results. Any future advisory input (if requested) will be documented, including dates and scope, in the project Wiki. --- ## 15. Final Notes This study aims to create one of the longest-running publicly documented athletic performance datasets ever produced by a single individual. Public video uploads, testing, and transparent OSF documentation will ensure long-term scientific value.