ABS Audio Newsletter: Being "Evidence-based"
Issue 23: What does evidence-based truly mean in the fitness industry?
ISSUE 23:
What are and are not signs of being an “evidence-based” coach?
Welcome to the 23rd edition of the ABS audio newsletter. Today we are looking into a more common criteria that more and more folks are applying to themselves in the fitness coaching space. The criteria qualification that one is “evidence” or “science” based when it comes to their coaching approach. But what does that really mean in practice?
Firstly, lets examine what evidence truly is in the context of this discussion. Generally, we refer to scientific studies as evidence for a topic, methodology, or practice. Sport science has added much evidence to the collective body of research over the last several decades. Personally, I believe it has clarified the picture and direction coaches should go when working with clients. But is that the end all be all? Do we need a direct scientific study to support every claim or practice we have in the fitness space?
Fig. 1: Hierarchy of Evidence Pyramid
To answer the previously stated questions bluntly: No. We don’t necessarily require a direct study on the method we are coaching. However, we should strive to follow the data and evidence based upon the general concepts being analyzed. For example: we are just starting to investigate the efficacy of lengthened partial repetitions on several different muscles for hypertrophic adaptation comparisons to full range of motion (ROM) training. This new area was highlighted be the trend in data showing stretch-mediated hypertrophy (stretch under load) seemed to be very robust. Am I actively coaching lengthened partials for my clients?
No; at least not just yet. This is because many clients require more development than simple hypertrophy; they require joint, strength and technical adaptations as well. That said I do emphasize the loaded stretch position of the full ROM training, with a pause to tap into that seemingly very important section of the ROM. That is making a practical decision made by following the direction of the data. That, my friends, is being evidence-based. Even if we lack direct evidence we can still try some things, and dabble in some hypotheses we have so long as we apply a scientific mindset. Further conversation and examples reside below in the audio portion of our newsletter!
The outline of our conversation:
1. General intro.
2. Evidence-based defined.
3. Using evidence to make decisions.
4. What if we don’t have direct studies?
5. Testing ideas utilizing a scientific mindset.
6. Closing and motivation sendoff!
I greatly appreciate your viewership; catch you all in the comments. Stay tuned for the 24th issue next week!