Studies And Evidence Flashcards
Genuine science
Based on evidence and data
Uses peer reviewed studies
Open to falsification and debate
Transparent about limitations
Follows the scientific method
Pseudoscience
Based on anecdotes/testimonials
No credible sources or citations
Overconfident miracle claims
Lacks clarity, often emotionally persuasive
Relies on authority, not proof
RCT
Strongest for cause/effect
E.g. testing a new supplement vs placebo
Cohort study
Long term trends, associations
E.g. tracking nutrient intake and injury risk over the years
Cross sectional studies
Snapshot at one time
E.g. survey of protein intake in footballers
Meta analysis
Pooled data = big picture
E.g. summary of 20+ studies on Creatine
Case study
Deep dive into one case
E.g. one athletes diet + performance
Lab study
Controlled, specific
E.g. muscle breakdown after HIIT in lab setting
Selection bias
Choosing participants in a non -random way
Placebo effect
Believing a treatment works can alter results
Observer bias
Researchers expectations influence outcome
Confounding variable
Hidden factor affects both variables
Publication bias
Positive results more likely to be published
Critical appraisal
P - population = who was studied
I - intervention = what’s being tested
C - comparison = was there a control or placebo
O - outcome = what were the results, meaningful
Sample size, study length, funding, peer reviewed
Levels of evidence from strongest to weakest
Systematic reviews
RCTs
Cohort
Cross sectional
Case reports
Anecdotes, testimonials
Personalised nutrition
Based on genes, microbiome, data tracking
Plant based diets in sport
More athletes thriving on vegan/veggie diets when well planned
Recovery science
Focus on sleep, protein timing, HRV monitoring
Low energy availability awareness
More focus on RED-S and mental health
Tech in nutrition
Wearables, AI-based diet analysis, blood testing services
Supplements
Shift toward evidence-based use over hype
DEXA scan Pros and cons
Highly accurate, shows fat, bone, lean mass
Expensive, not portable
Skinfold calipers - pros and cons
Cheap, quick
Needs skilled operator
BIA (bioelectrical impedence) - pros and cons
Fast, accessible
Affected by hydration levels
