Cross Training

Cross Training

Managed care Multiskilling The acquisition of multiple skills in multiple areas in the lab or in patient management by a worker, often who formerly carried out specialised tasks, thus reversing the trend toward specialization
Pros Short term, cross training solves staffing shortages and often decreases staffing costs
Cons Cross training increases liability, as those performing the services become generalists—‘jacks-of-all-trades’—who are less skilled in specific areas
Sports medicine (1) The regular participation in multiple sports—e.g., basketball and long-distance running—to improve overall fitness
Pros Useful in injured patients who can continue exercising with another sport, while the injured area heals; cross training intensifies training, burns more calories, improves fitness more quickly and safely; uses more muscle groups—e.g., running builds the lower body, swimming the upper—improves flexibility, and prevents overuse injuries
(2) The exercising of muscle groups or participation in a sport differing from an athlete’s primary sport