Nullius in Verba

Abstract

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a concept that was popularized in the early 1990’s by several physicians who recognized that medical practice should be based on the best and most current available evidence. Although this concept seems self-evident, much of medical practice was based on outdated textbooks and oral tradition passed down in medical school. Currently, exercise science is in a similar situation. Due to a lack of regulation within the exercise community, the discipline of exercise science is particularly prone to bias and misinformation, as evidenced by the plethora of available programs whose efficacy is supported by anecdote alone. In this manuscript, we provide a description of the five steps in EBP: 1) develop a question, 2) find evidence, 3) evaluate the evidence, 4) incorporate evidence into practice, and 5) re-evaluate the evidence. Although objections have been raised to the EBP process, we believe that its incorporation into exercise science will improve the credibility of our discipline and will keep exercise practitioners and academics on the cutting edge of the most current research findings.

Knowledge in Motion: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence-Based Human Kinetics

“…Fourth, practitioners must match the research findings with their expertise and the characteristics of their clients to make a practical decision. Finally, they must monitor their clients' progress, evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in achieving the desired outcomes, and review the results when adjustments are needed [10,13,15,16].…”

The prevalence of adverse cardiometabolic responses to exercise training with evidence-based practice is low

“…Evidence-based practice, as it pertains to exercise prescription, entails integration of the highest available level of research evidence, clinical exercise physiologist expertise, and patient/client needs. 17 , 18 Randomized controlled trials address the first two aspects of evidence-based practice; however, patient/client needs are rarely considered as it compromises integrity of the research design. For example, participants in a study who are unable to complete the recommended weekly volume of exercise are not provided with the alternative of a reduced weekly goal.…”

Bridging the gap: Evidence-based practice guidelines for sports nutritionists

“…Professional experience refers to knowledge gained from working with athletes and within specific professional settings (e.g., sporting organisations). Although experience-based anecdotes from the field generally are the least objective and most susceptible to bias ( 32 ), there are quality levels similar to that applied to scientific evidence when it comes to the degree of confidence that can be placed on information derived from practical experience. We believe that insights from professional experience carry the most weight when the practitioner is proactively collecting high-quality data and reflecting on their actions and outcomes (see Step 5).…”