Definition
Functionology is a physiology-first discipline that prioritizes measurable human function as the endpoint of assessment and intervention. It integrates mechanistic reasoning with clinical pragmatism and explicitly labels evidence strength and risk.
Scope and boundaries
Functionology complements—not replaces—standard medical care and specialty practice. It emphasizes:
• function endpoints (capacity, pain interference, performance, sleep quality, metabolic stability)
• reproducible measurement
• risk stratification and safety thresholds
• iterative improvement based on response
• explicit red-flag awareness and referral thresholds
The three-layer model (cell → tissue → system)
Cellular: energy availability, repair capacity, inflammatory signaling, oxidative balance
Tissue: structure–performance integrity (muscle, tendon, fascia, nerve, microvascular function)
Systems: circadian biology, metabolism, cardiopulmonary reserve, neurocognitive performance, pain and mobility
Measurement hierarchy (preferred order)
- Symptoms and red flags (what must not be missed)
- Function measures (validated scales, performance tests, work capacity, mobility)
- Physiology measures (vitals trends, sleep metrics, exercise tolerance, recovery)
- Biomarkers (when they change decisions and are interpretable)
Evidence tiers used on this site
Tier A: strong evidence and consistent guideline-grade support
Tier B: moderate evidence with reasonable mechanistic support and clinical plausibility
Tier C: emerging evidence; hypothesis-generating; explicitly optional and experimental
Risk tiers used on this site
Low risk: broadly safe for most adults
Moderate risk: requires screening, dose control, and monitoring
Higher risk: clinician-supervised only, or not appropriate outside a medical setting
Practical workflow
Assess → define function endpoints → identify constraints → select the lowest-risk highest-yield intervention → measure response → iterate.
Functionology rejects one-time fixes. The discipline is built around disciplined follow-up, measurable outcomes, and honest uncertainty.