1.4 Importance of evidence-based practice

Evidence-based practice is crucial in strength and conditioning. It combines research, expertise, and athlete values to make informed decisions about training methods. This approach ensures athletes get the most effective, safe training based on science, not just anecdotes.

Implementing evidence-based practice involves a systematic process. Coaches formulate questions, find and evaluate research, apply findings, and assess outcomes. This method leads to better performance, lower injury risk, and more efficient use of resources.

Evidence-Based Practice in Strength and Conditioning

Definition and Significance

Top images from around the web for Definition and Significance

• 

  The use of interval-training methods by coaches of well-trained middle- to long-distance runners ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  EBP Process - Athletic Training & Evidence-Based Practice - Library Class and Subject Guides at ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The use of interval-training methods by coaches of well-trained middle- to long-distance runners ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  EBP Process - Athletic Training & Evidence-Based Practice - Library Class and Subject Guides at ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

Top images from around the web for Definition and Significance

• 

  The use of interval-training methods by coaches of well-trained middle- to long-distance runners ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  EBP Process - Athletic Training & Evidence-Based Practice - Library Class and Subject Guides at ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The use of interval-training methods by coaches of well-trained middle- to long-distance runners ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  EBP Process - Athletic Training & Evidence-Based Practice - Library Class and Subject Guides at ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

• Evidence-based practice (EBP) integrates the best available research evidence with professional expertise and athlete values to make informed decisions about training and conditioning practices
• EBP is significant in strength and conditioning because it helps ensure that athletes receive the most effective and safe training methods based on scientific evidence rather than anecdotal or outdated practices
• Implementing EBP in strength and conditioning can lead to improved athletic performance, reduced risk of injury, and more efficient use of time and resources
• EBP involves a systematic process of asking a question, acquiring the best available evidence, appraising the evidence, applying the evidence, and assessing the outcomes

Process of Implementing EBP

• The process of implementing EBP in strength and conditioning involves several key steps
  • Formulating a clear and answerable question based on the specific needs and goals of the athlete or team
  • Searching for and acquiring the best available research evidence relevant to the question (scientific journals, professional organizations, textbooks)
  • Critically appraising the quality, validity, and applicability of the research evidence to the specific context and population
  • Integrating the appraised evidence with professional expertise and athlete preferences to make an informed decision about the most appropriate training intervention
  • Applying the evidence-based intervention in practice and monitoring the outcomes to assess its effectiveness and make adjustments as needed

Critically Evaluating Research

Factors to Consider

• Critically evaluating research involves assessing the quality, validity, and relevance of a study to determine its applicability to strength and conditioning practice
• Key factors to consider when evaluating research include the study design (randomized controlled trial, observational study), sample size and characteristics (age, gender, training status), measurement tools (validity, reliability), statistical analyses (appropriate tests, significance level), and interpretation of results (practical significance, limitations)
• Other important factors to consider include the research question, hypotheses, variables, control groups, blinding, and potential sources of bias or confounding

Applying Research to Practice

• Applying research to practice involves considering the specific context, goals, and needs of the athletes and adapting the evidence-based interventions accordingly
• Strength and conditioning professionals should consider factors such as the sport, position, training phase, equipment availability, and individual athlete characteristics when applying research findings to their practice
• It is important to use professional judgment and experience to modify evidence-based practices as needed to optimize their effectiveness and safety for each unique situation
• Strength and conditioning professionals should regularly review and update their practices based on the latest research evidence and continually assess the effectiveness of their interventions through objective performance measures and athlete feedback

Reliable Sources of Evidence

Primary Sources

• Peer-reviewed scientific journals, such as the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, and the Journal of Applied Physiology, are primary sources of evidence-based information in strength and conditioning
  • These journals publish original research studies that have undergone rigorous review by experts in the field to ensure their quality, validity, and significance
  • Examples of high-quality strength and conditioning journals include the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Sports Medicine, and the Strength and Conditioning Journal
• Evidence-based databases, such as PubMed and SPORTDiscus, allow for targeted searches of the scientific literature to find relevant research on specific topics in strength and conditioning
  • These databases provide access to a wide range of peer-reviewed journals and allow for advanced search strategies using keywords, authors, and other criteria
  • Examples of relevant search terms for strength and conditioning include resistance training, plyometrics, periodization, and recovery strategies

Secondary Sources

• Professional organizations, such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), provide evidence-based position statements, guidelines, and resources for strength and conditioning professionals
  • These organizations synthesize the available research evidence and provide practical recommendations for best practices in strength and conditioning
  • Examples of evidence-based resources from professional organizations include the NSCA's Strength and Conditioning Journal and the ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal
• Reputable textbooks, such as the Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning by the NSCA, provide comprehensive evidence-based information on strength and conditioning principles and practices
  • These textbooks are often written by leading experts in the field and undergo extensive peer review to ensure their accuracy and reliability
  • Examples of other reputable strength and conditioning textbooks include Supertraining by Yuri Verkhoshansky and Mel Siff and Science and Practice of Strength Training by Vladimir Zatsiorsky and William Kraemer

Benefits of Evidence-Based Practices

Improved Athletic Performance

• Evidence-based strength and conditioning practices can lead to greater improvements in athletic performance outcomes, such as strength, power, speed, and endurance, compared to non-evidence-based approaches
  • For example, research has shown that periodized resistance training programs that progressively increase intensity and volume over time are more effective for increasing strength and power than non-periodized programs
  • Studies have also demonstrated that plyometric training can significantly improve jumping ability, sprint speed, and agility in athletes compared to traditional strength training alone
• Implementing evidence-based practices can enhance the credibility and professionalism of strength and conditioning coaches by demonstrating a commitment to using scientifically validated methods to improve athlete outcomes
  • This can lead to increased trust and buy-in from athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders who value a scientific approach to performance enhancement
  • It can also help strength and conditioning professionals differentiate themselves in a competitive job market and advance their careers by showcasing their expertise and dedication to best practices

Reduced Injury Risk

• Using evidence-based practices can help minimize the risk of injury by ensuring that athletes are using safe and effective training techniques and progressions based on scientific principles of exercise physiology and biomechanics
  • For example, research has identified specific risk factors for common injuries in athletes, such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, and overuse, and has provided evidence-based strategies for addressing these factors through targeted training interventions
  • Studies have also shown that incorporating evidence-based warm-up routines, such as dynamic stretching and activation exercises, can reduce the incidence of injuries during training and competition
• Evidence-based practices can help optimize training efficiency by focusing on the most effective exercises, intensities, volumes, and frequencies for specific athletic goals and populations
  • This can help athletes achieve their desired outcomes in less time and with fewer wasted efforts, which can reduce the overall training load and associated injury risk
  • For example, research has identified the optimal dose-response relationships for various strength and power training variables, such as the number of sets and repetitions, rest intervals, and loading schemes, for different sports and athlete characteristics

Enhanced Communication and Collaboration

• Evidence-based practices can facilitate better communication and collaboration among strength and conditioning professionals, sports medicine staff, and other stakeholders by providing a common language and framework for discussing athlete training and performance
  • This can help ensure that all members of the sports performance team are working towards the same goals and using consistent, scientifically supported methods
  • It can also facilitate more effective problem-solving and decision-making when challenges or setbacks arise, as team members can refer to the available evidence to guide their actions
• Using evidence-based practices can also enhance communication with athletes by providing clear and credible explanations for the rationale behind specific training interventions
  • This can increase athlete understanding, motivation, and adherence to the training program, as they can see the scientific basis for what they are being asked to do
  • It can also empower athletes to take a more active role in their own performance development by asking questions, providing feedback, and engaging in shared decision-making with their strength and conditioning coaches