A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Methodological Considerations for Studies in Sport and Exercise Science with Women as Participants : A Working Guide for Standards of Practice for Research on Women (2021)
Elliott-Sale, K. J., Minahan, C. L., Janse de Jonge, X. A. K., Ackerman, K. E., Sipilä, S., Constantini, N. W., Lebrun, C. M., & Hackney, A. C. (2021). Methodological Considerations for Studies in Sport and Exercise Science with Women as Participants : A Working Guide for Standards of Practice for Research on Women. Sports Medicine, 51(5), 843-861. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01435-8
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Elliott-Sale, Kirsty J.; Minahan, Clare L.; Janse de Jonge, Xanne A. K.; Ackerman, Kathryn E.; Sipilä, Sarianna; Constantini, Naama W.; Lebrun, Constance M.; Hackney, Anthony C.
Journal or series: Sports Medicine
ISSN: 0112-1642
eISSN: 1179-2035
Publication year: 2021
Publication date: 16/03/2021
Volume: 51
Issue number: 5
Pages range: 843-861
Publisher: Springer
Publication country: Switzerland
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01435-8
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/74726
Additional information: Current Opinion.
Abstract
Until recently, there has been less demand for and interest in female-specific sport and exercise science data. As a result, the vast majority of high-quality sport and exercise science data have been derived from studies with men as participants, which reduces the application of these data due to the known physiological differences between the sexes, specifically with regard to reproductive endocrinology. Furthermore, a shortage of specialist knowledge on female physiology in the sport science community, coupled with a reluctance to effectively adapt experimental designs to incorporate female-specific considerations, such as the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraceptive use, pregnancy and the menopause, has slowed the pursuit of knowledge in this field of research. In addition, a lack of agreement on the terminology and methodological approaches (i.e., gold-standard techniques) used within this research area has further hindered the ability of researchers to adequately develop evidenced-based guidelines for female exercisers. The purpose of this paper was to highlight the specific considerations needed when employing women (i.e., from athletes to non-athletes) as participants in sport and exercise science-based research. These considerations relate to participant selection criteria and adaptations for experimental design and address the diversity and complexities associated with female reproductive endocrinology across the lifespan. This statement intends to promote an increase in the inclusion of women as participants in studies related to sport and exercise science and an enhanced execution of these studies resulting in more high-quality female-specific data.
Keywords: sport and health sciences; methodology; research subjects; test subjects (persons); physiology; hormonal factors; gender; gender differences; women
Free keywords: studies in sport; exercise science; women
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 2
