Ep 320 - Myths Versus Theories in Exercise Science (ft. James Steele)

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Mar 26, 2025

In this conversation, Dr. James Steele, a sports scientist known for his critiques of periodization, dives deep into the philosophical aspects of exercise research. He discusses the importance of collaboration and causal inference in creating meaningful studies. The chat highlights critiques of existing exercise science models and the need for a theory-driven approach. Steele emphasizes understanding the mechanisms behind training effects and advocates for more rigorous, interdisciplinary research practices to enhance both validity and applicability in the field.

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ANECDOTE

Steele's Iron Culture History

James Steele was previously on Iron Culture to discuss open science.
He also appears in the Iron Culture documentary, filmed at Solent University.

INSIGHT

Periodization as Myth

James Steele's book chapter, "The Myth of Periodization," challenges the concept's theoretical foundation.
He argues periodization lacks the precision of a true scientific theory, resembling a myth.

ANECDOTE

Theory vs. Data in Exercise Science

Eric Trexler's sociology advisor emphasized theory's importance, a concept often overlooked in exercise science.
Trexler notes exercise science prioritizes data generation, possibly due to the effort involved.

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In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Eric Trexler engage in a lively discussion with Dr. James Steele about the evolving landscape of sports science, particularly focusing on the critiques of periodization and the importance of scientific theory in exercise research. They explore the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry, the challenges of conducting robust research, and the implications of recent studies on training effects. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more theory-driven approach in exercise science to enhance the validity and applicability of research findings. In this conversation, James Steele and Eric Helms discuss the intricacies of designing meaningful studies in hypertrophy research, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, causal inference, and the need for high-powered studies. They explore the challenges of resistance training research, the significance of theory corroboration, and the future directions for the field. The discussion highlights the necessity of passion and purpose in research, advocating for a focus on practical applications and the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of training effects.

Time stamps:

0:00 Welcome to another episode of Iron Culture and some housekeeping https://massresearchreview.com/ https://sportsnutritionassociation.com/sna-annual-2025-conference/

4:01 Welcoming Dr James Steele Iron Culture Ep 218 Science is Flawed, but Can be Fixed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_NYCZpY3RA&t=1s Steele 2023 The Myth of Periodisation https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373512935_The_Myth_of_Periodisation Stone 2024 The Myth of the Myth? An Opinion https://journal.iusca.org/index.php/Journal/article/view/353

12:26 James’ issues with periodisation

25:53 How different research areas work

36:03 The philosophy of science

44:47 James breaks down the (statistics of the) Gschneidner lengthened-partials study Gschneidner 2024 The effects of lengthened-partial range of motion resistance training of the limbs on arm and thigh muscle cross-sectional area https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/485

1:04:47 What are we actually trying to do in research and going over the results https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15947721/ Steele 2021 Long-Term Time-Course of Strength Adaptation to Minimal Dose Resistance Training Through Retrospective Longitudinal Growth Modeling https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35591809/ Hubal 2005 Variability in muscle size and strength gain after unilateral resistance training https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15947721/ Coleman 2022 Muscular Adaptations in Drop Set vs. Traditional Training: A meta-analysis https://journal.iusca.org/index.php/Journal/article/view/135 Sødal 2023 Effects of Drop Sets on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37523092/

1:24:23 Linear log gains and the role of multi-site data collection Latella 2024 Using Powerlifting Athletes to Determine Strength Adaptations Across Ages in Males and Females: A Longitudinal Growth Modelling Approach https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38060089/

01:38:51 Answering research questions, method reforms, and the reasons behind lifting

01:49:53 Final thoughts and a sneak peek into James’ future work and where to find him ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Steele-14 Instagram @james.steeleii https://www.instagram.com/james.steeleii/?hl=en