Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Strength and Conditioning

Research in Strength and Conditioning

Introduction

  • This lecture focuses on research and evidence-based decision making for strength and conditioning coaches.
  • Topics include defining research, forms of reasoning, types of research, and sources of evidence.
  • Required readings: Chapters from "Conducting and Reading Research in Kinesiology" and Kristin Ciani's statistical detective paper.

Importance of Research Methods

  • Strength and conditioning coaches should be evidence-based, using scientific and practice-based evidence.
  • Key abilities:
    • Identify performance-related questions.
    • Search for and critically evaluate evidence (validity, impact, applicability).
    • Develop strategies to implement evidence in practice.
    • Assess the effectiveness of new practices.
    • Re-evaluate evidence and challenge training programs.

Defining Research

  • Research is a process of discovery and advancement of human knowledge.
  • It involves creating new knowledge or using existing research creatively to generate new concepts and methodologies.
  • Fundamentally, it's an organized and systematic process of searching for solutions to problems or answers to questions.
  • Research is part of the knowledge pipeline, transferring knowledge.

Evolution of Evidence

  • Traditional sources of knowledge:
    • Customs and traditions: What has always been done.
    • Positions of authority: Experts' opinions.
    • Personal experience: Limited applicability due to specificity.
  • Shift towards reasoning and scientific inquiry for a more sound base of knowledge.

Forms of Reasoning

Deductive Reasoning

  • Starts with a theory or set of premises accepted as true.
  • Formulates hypotheses based on the theory.
  • Collects and analyzes data to form a conclusion.
  • Weakness: Relies on the initial theory being true; otherwise, conclusions may be invalid.

Inductive Reasoning

  • Works in the opposite direction of deductive reasoning.
  • Begins with observations, then generalizes to form a theory.
  • Example: Observing improved sprinting performance with increased relative squat strength, leading to a theory.

Scientific Method

  • A blend of inductive and deductive reasoning.
  • Steps:
    • Identify a question.
    • Formulate a hypothesis.
    • Develop a research plan.
    • Collect and analyze data.
    • Interpret results and form conclusions.
    • Build new theories.