In today’s episode, Greg and Eric discuss a new study reporting that 85% of highly cited meta-analyses in the field of strength and conditioning research contain at least one statistical error. The conversation covers common meta-analysis errors, how to spot them, and how to critically interpret meta-analyses. After that, Eric presents a segment on motivation and behavior change. He begins by reviewing evidence-based goal setting strategies, then discusses how we can leverage self-determination theory to get motivated to pursue our goals, and how we can lean on the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation, behavior) model to change behaviors in accordance with our goals. This leads to a unified, comprehensive, evidence-based model that covers goal setting, motivation, and behavior change from start to finish.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Join the Research Spotlight newsletter: Get a two-minute breakdown of one recent study every Wednesday. Our newsletter is the easiest way to stay up to date with the latest exercise and nutrition science.

MacroFactor

• If you want to learn more about our MacroFactor diet app, check it out  here.
• To join in on the MacroFactor conversation, check out our Facebook group and subreddit.

Coaching

• Get personalized training and nutrition plans from our expert coaches: Learn more here

MASS Research Review 

• Subscribe to the MASS Research Review to get concise and applicable breakdowns of the latest strength, physique, and nutrition research – delivered monthly.

Sponsors

• BulkSupplements: Next time you stock up on supplements,  be sure to use the promo code “SBSPOD” (all caps) to get 5% off your entire order at BulkSupplements.com.
• Sports Nutrition Association: Learn more or become a member of SNA. The Sports Nutrition Association is dedicated to ensuring the sustainable prosperity of the Sports Nutrition Profession, and they offer a unique pathway to robust insurance coverage for your sports nutrition business.

TIME STAMPS

Intro/Announcements (0:00)

Origins of meta-analyses (6:15)

New study on meta-analysis errors (11:53)

• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-022-01766-0

The most common errors (17:10)

Interpretation and conclusions (29:22)

• https://www.strongerbyscience.com/meta-analyses/

Defining “motivation” (50:11)

Goal setting (52:51)

• https://www.strongerbyscience.com/goal-setting/
• https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01879/full

Motivation (1:00:43)

Self-determination theory (1:06:07)

• https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/research/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11392867/
• https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-68513-001

Psychological needs (competence, relatedness, autonomy) (1:11:18)

The COM-B model of behavior change (1:29:19)

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096582/

Practical application: a unified model combining goal hierarchies, self-determination theory, and the COM-B model of behavior change (1:37:30)

MORE FROM THE SBS TEAM

• Work with a Stronger By Science coach: Get personalized training and nutrition plans and ongoing support from one of our expert coaches.
• Join the Research Spotlight newsletter: Our newsletter is the easiest way to stay up to date with the latest exercise and nutrition science.
• Join the SBS Facebook group and Subreddit.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

• Try MacroFactor for free: Use code SBS to get a 14-day free trial of our nutrition app MacroFactor. MacroFactor has the fastest food logger on the market and its smart nutrition coach adapts to your metabolism to keep you on track with your goals. Download it today on the App Store or Google Play.
• BulkSupplements: Next time you stock up on supplements, be sure to use the promo code “SBSPOD” (all caps) to get 5% off your entire order.
• MASS Research Review: Subscribe to the MASS Research Review to get concise and applicable breakdowns of the latest strength, physique, and nutrition research – delivered monthly.