Ep 320 - Myths Versus Theories in Exercise Science (ft. James Steele)
Mar 26, 2025
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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.
Dr. James Steele critiques traditional periodization methods in sports science, advocating for modern scientific principles and clearer, testable hypotheses.
The podcast underscores the necessity of philosophical understanding in research practices, which can significantly influence study design and outcomes.
Collaboration on larger, multi-site studies is essential for producing robust evidence in sports science research and addressing funding constraints.
The discussion highlights the importance of using causal inference methods and longitudinal data to derive meaningful insights from existing training research.
Deep dives
Introduction to the Guests
The episode features a lively discussion with guests Dr. James Steele and Dr. Eric Trexler, highlighting their dynamic interaction. They share personal insights on how their experiences and backgrounds shape their perspectives in the field of sports science. The banter between them includes light-hearted jabs, reflecting their familiarity and contrasting viewpoints, particularly on the evolving nature of the exercise science community. The episode promises to delve into critical discussions about sports science and its challenges, foreshadowing a debate on established theories.
Engagement with the Audience
The hosts express appreciation for their listeners and encourage audience engagement by subscribing and providing feedback. They emphasize the importance of community support in enhancing the podcast's reach and content quality. Additionally, they share plans to return to live episodes where they can interact with their audience directly, fostering a sense of connection. This engagement is framed as a vital aspect of the show's growth and adaptability.
Critique of Sports Science Traditions
Dr. Steele discusses his recent work critiquing established theories in sports science, particularly focusing on the concept of periodization. He argues that much of traditional sports science is rooted in outdated methodologies and lacks rigorous theoretical foundations. The conversation highlights the necessity for the field to evolve by incorporating modern scientific principles and addressing the criticisms within the discipline. Steele's insights suggest an urgent need for researchers to rethink how they conceptualize training theories and data interpretation.
Challenges of Periodization Theory
The discussion deepens around the implications of periodization as a scientific theory, particularly its limitations in making precise predictions. Dr. Steele articulates that current theories often fail to provide clear, testable hypotheses, thus challenging their validity. He compares the loose nature of periodization to more established sciences, advocating for a shift towards deductive reasoning processes. The inefficiencies in existing models signify a broader need for introspection and development within the sports science community.
Philosophy of Science in Sports Research
A significant part of the conversation focuses on the importance of philosophy of science in guiding research practices in sports science. Dr. Steele emphasizes that researchers should be aware of the philosophical underpinnings of their work, which influences study design and data interpretation. He advocates for an integration of these philosophical concepts to enhance the robustness of empirical research findings. By framing sports science inquiries around philosophical foundations, researchers can improve their approaches and outcomes.
Importance of Large-Scale Studies
Dr. Steele stresses the value of conducting larger, multi-site studies to attain more meaningful results in sports science research. He describes collaboration with industry partners and multi-lab projects as essential for advancing the quality of evidence. This collaborative approach not only addresses funding constraints but also facilitates the generation of more robust data. He highlights that current research often relies on underpowered studies, leading to inconclusive results, which larger studies could help mitigate.
Causal Inference and Data Utilization
The conversation shifts to the application of causal inference methods in the analysis of training data. Dr. Steele mentions the potential of using longitudinal observational data to draw meaningful insights about training interventions, even when randomized trials are not feasible. He emphasizes the importance of using systematic approaches to analyze existing data to enhance understanding of training effects. The focus on practical applications of data serves to illuminate broader trends in exercise and health outcomes.
Future Directions in Sports Science
The episode concludes with discussions regarding the future of sports science and the need for researchers to be adaptive and open to new methodologies. Both guests reflect on how solving complex problems requires creativity and the willingness to rethink traditional methods. Dr. Steele encourages the community to prioritize relevant studies that can genuinely benefit both athletes and the general public. The overall sentiment underscores an optimistic view toward progressing the field of sports science through collaboration, innovative ideas, and an openness to critique.
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
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