Practical Uses of SEHS in the Real World: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Action
In the realm of Sports, Exercise, and Health Science (SEHS), the translation of lab measurements to field applications is crucial in maintaining scientific rigour while capturing data that reflects real-world sport or exercise contexts.
Lab Measurements in SEHS
Laboratory tests in SEHS offer controlled, precise physiological, biomechanical, and psychological metrics, such as reaction time, strength, and movement patterns. These measurements serve as the foundation for developing portable devices or test protocols that can be used outside the lab.
Transforming Lab Measurements into Field Tests
Researchers and practitioners adapt these lab methods into portable and practical tools and tests usable in real-world settings. For instance, a digital reaction time device tested for reliability in the lab might be used on the field to assess injury risk or recovery progress. Field tests aim to preserve the validity and reliability of their lab counterparts, enabling meaningful assessment during training or competition.
Designing Valid and Reliable Field Tests
Several tools are available to design valid, reliable field tests. These include portable digital devices measuring key variables, standardized protocols adapted from lab research, statistical software or sport analytics tools, and collaborative networks between research institutions and practitioners.
Portable Digital Devices
Portable digital devices measure critical variables like reaction time or force, providing a means to assess athletes in various settings.
Standardized Protocols
Standardized protocols, drawn from lab research and adapted for ease of administration without expensive equipment, ensure that field tests maintain scientific validity.
Statistical Software and Sport Analytics
Statistical software or sport analytics tools help prepare, manage, and analyze collected data accurately, ensuring proper interpretation of field measurements.
Collaborative Networks
Collaborative networks between research institutions and practitioners ensure ongoing refinement of tests and validation in diverse populations and environments.
SEHS Applications in Practice
The application of SEHS principles is evident in various practices, such as:
- RevisionDojo offers scenario prompts and flashcards to practice these applications in SEHS, including muscle learning and feedback studies, altitude training, and recovery methods.
- Field data tracking in SEHS includes monitoring heart rate, recovery, and motivation levels, which can serve as live performance feedback.
- Plan controlled tests in class, then adapt the same protocols for real-world study, such as comparing different recovery methods in athlete groups.
- VO2 max tests, grip dynamometry, and agility drills are examples of lab-based measurements in SEHS that can be adapted for field use, like Beep tests and push-up protocols.
SEHS Tools on RevisionDojo
RevisionDojo is a valuable resource for SEHS practitioners, offering:
- SEHS IA planning and case-study tools to design investigations that balance lab control with practical field relevance.
- Frameworks for effective data collection methods and field-ready evaluation.
- Jojo AI flashcards focused on real-world applications, like altitude training or recovery methods, to reinforce how physiological and psychological tools apply in performance settings.
- Access to SEHS practice papers and flashcards tailored to lab-based and field-based scenarios.
By bridging the lab-to-field gap, SEHS measurements can optimise performance, prevent injuries, and promote health in a variety of athletic and exercise contexts.
Flashcard practice on RevisionDojo includes applications in science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and sports, such as muscle learning and feedback studies, altitude training, and recovery methods.Portable digital devices in SEHS, like reaction time or force measuring tools, are used in various settings to adapt lab-based measurements into field tests for fitness and sports.
