Myths and Methodologies: Standardisation in Human Physiology Research—Should We Control the Controllables?
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Lucy H. Merrell [1] ; Oliver J. Perkin [1] ; Louise Bradshaw [1] ; Harrison D. Collier-Bain [1] ; Adam J. Collins [1] ; Sophie Davies [1] ; Rachel Eddy [1] ; James A. Hickman [1] ; Anna P. Nicholas [1] ; Daniel Rees [1] ; Bruno Spellanzon [1] ; Lewis J. James [3] ; Alannah K.A. McKay [4] ; Harry A. Smith [1] ; James E. Turner [2] ; Francoise Koumanov [1] ; Jennifer Maher [1] ; Dylan Thompson [1] ; Javier T. González [1] ; James A. Betts [1]
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[1] University of Bath
University of Bath
Reino Unido
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[2] University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham
Reino Unido
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[3] National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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[4] Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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- Localización: International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, ISSN 1526-484X, ISSN-e 1543-2742, Vol. 34, Nº. 4, 2024, págs. 242-250
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
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Resumen
The premise of research in human physiology is to explore a multifaceted system whilst identifying one or a few outcomes of interest. Therefore, the control of potentially confounding variables requires careful thought regarding the extent of control and complexity of standardisation. One common factor to control prior to testing is diet, as food and fluid provision may deviate from participants’ habitual diets, yet a self-report and replication method can be flawed by under-reporting. Researchers may also need to consider standardisation of physical activity, whether it be through familiarisation trials, wash-out periods, or guidance on levels of physical activity to be achieved before trials. In terms of pharmacological agents, the ethical implications of standardisation require researchers to carefully consider how medications, caffeine consumption and oral contraceptive prescriptions may affect the study. For research in females, it should be considered whether standardisation between- or within-participants in regards to menstrual cycle phase is most relevant. The timing of measurements relative to various other daily events is relevant to all physiological research and so it can be important to standardise when measurements are made. This review summarises the areas of standardisation which we hope will be considered useful to anyone involved in human physiology research, including when and how one can apply standardisation to various contexts.
