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Current Research and Statistical Practices in Sport Science and a Need for Change.

ABSTRACT: Current research ideologies in sport science allow for the possibility of investigators producing statistically significant results to help fit the outcome into a predetermined theory. Additionally, under the current Neyman-Pearson statistical structure, some argue that null hypothesis significant testing (NHST) under the frequentist approach is flawed, regardless. For example, a p-value is unable to measure the probability that the studied hypothesis is true, unable to measure the size of an effect or the importance of a result, and unable to provide a good measure of evidence regarding a model or hypothesis. Many of these downfalls are key questions researchers strive to answer following an investigation. Therefore, a shift towards a magnitude-based inference model, and eventually a fully Bayesian framework, is thought to be a better fit from a statistical standpoint and may be an improved way to address biases within the literature. The goal of this article is to shed light on the current research and statistical shortcomings the field of sport science faces today, and offer potential solutions to help guide future research practices.

SUBMITTER: Bernards JR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5969020 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Current Research and Statistical Practices in Sport Science and a Need for Change.

Bernards Jake R JR Sato Kimitake K Haff G Gregory GG Bazyler Caleb D CD

Sports (Basel, Switzerland) 20171115 4

Current research ideologies in sport science allow for the possibility of investigators producing statistically significant results to help fit the outcome into a predetermined theory. Additionally, under the current Neyman-Pearson statistical structure, some argue that null hypothesis significant testing (NHST) under the frequentist approach is flawed, regardless. For example, a p-value is unable to measure the probability that the studied hypothesis is true, unable to measure the size of an ef ...[more]

PMID: 29910447

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Project description:BackgroundThe tool kits of bibliometrics and science mapping provide a standard methodology to map the knowledge base of specific fields of science. The aim of the present research is the analysis of the recent international trends of sport nutrition science, as well as the primary identification of the research topics and results of sport nutrition science via enhanced bibliometric methods for the 2000-2018 time period.MethodsAltogether, 3889 publications were included in this study. We identified the most relevant sport nutrition topics by running a community detection algorithm on the proximity network constructed via network text analysis. The key issues and key concepts of sport nutrition topics as well as their relations were evaluated via network analysis. Besides, we carried a chronological analysis of topics out and a scientometric evaluative analysis was also created.ResultsWe identified the four main basic groups from which the 18 most characteristics topics were analyzed. The 18 topics are the following: 'soccer and physiology', 'carbohydrate metabolism', 'muscle physiology: alkalosis and acidosis', 'muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation', 'fluid balance and hydration', 'dietary intake and nutrition knowledge', 'determination of energy need of athletes', 'bone health and female athlete triad', 'hydration strategy', 'body weight management', 'nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle', 'dietary supplementation of nitrates', 'oxidative stress and dietary supplement use', 'dietary supplement use and doping', 'oxidative stress and inflammation and dietary antioxidants', 'exercise adaptation and nutritional strategies', 'gut microbiota', 'celiac disease'. Regarding the size of the topic, researches on sport nutrition science have put the focus on the following three groups: 'muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation', 'carbohydrate metabolism', 'oxidative stress and dietary supplement use'. The greatest scientific impact can be ascribed to the following topics: 'nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle', 'dietary supplementation of nitrates', 'body weight management', and 'gut microbiota'.ConclusionsScientific output on sport nutrition has continuously been rising between 2000 and 2018. The ratio of topics related to sport nutrition but predominantly connected to basic research has decreased significantly within all publications. The results of this study confirm the role of science mapping in the identification of specific research topics and primary research directions in the field of sport nutrition science.

Project description:BackgroundPatient and public involvement (PPI) ensures that research is designed and conducted in a manner that is most beneficial to the individuals whom it will impact. It has an undisputed place in applied research and is required by many funding bodies. However, PPI in statistical methodology research is more challenging and work is needed to identify where and how patients and the public can meaningfully input in this area.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional research study was conducted using an online questionnaire, which asked statistical methodologists about themselves and their experience conducting PPI, either to inform a grant application or during a funded statistical methodology project. The survey included both closed-text responses, which were reported using summary statistics, and open-ended questions for which common themes were identified.Results119 complete responses were recorded. Individuals who completed the survey displayed an even range of ages, career lengths and positions, with the majority working in academia. 40.3% of participants reported undertaking PPI to inform a grant application and the majority reported that the inclusion of PPI was received positively by the funder. Only 21.0% of participants reported undertaking PPI during a methodological project. 31.0% of individuals thought that PPI was "very" or "extremely" relevant to statistical methodology research, with 45.5% responding "somewhat" and 24.4% answering "not at all" or "not very". Arguments for including PPI were that it can provide the motivation for research and shape the research question. Negative opinions included that it is too technical for the public to understand, so they cannot have a meaningful impact.ConclusionsThis survey found that the views of statistical methodologists on the inclusion of PPI in their research are varied, with some individuals having particularly strong opinions, both positive and negative. Whilst this is clearly a divisive topic, one commonly identified theme was that many researchers are willing to try and incorporate meaningful PPI into their research but would feel more confident if they had access to resources such as specialised training, guidelines, and case studies.

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Current Research and Statistical Practices in Sport Science and a Need for Change.

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Current Research and Statistical Practices in Sport Science and a Need for Change.

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