How to Read a Research Article: Part I
This is the first part of a Guide to Reading Research Articles.
Research articles can be very difficult to read. Reading research is a skill that takes quite some time to be proficient at. This is why many people will read the abstract or conclusions of a study apply them with a broad brush, which is inherently invalid.
When attempting to read and understand an article, remember to read the article as a whole. Also, the authors have written it with the audience being scholars and colleagues. Therefore, a certain level of basic knowledge is assumed. Try not to become frustrated when an article to too complicated. You will learn, in time and with much practice, to extract the important aspects of an article without getting lost in the jargon.
What is Research?
Research is defined as a “systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, applications, etc (dictionary.com)”. The “systematic” aspect of research refers to how it is designed, which is very important. This is what separates research from other forms of “evidence”. Commonly, these other forms of “evidence” will be used to market a product (e.g. WBV machines). These may include (with descriptions):
Abstract
This is a summary of research but not an entire research article. Many times it is part of a research article published in a peer-reviewed, academic journal.; however, much care must be taken so that only the abstract is not solely relied upon as “evidence”.
Poster
This is usually a beefed-up summary that is presented at a conference by the researcher(s) as a poster. It may or may not be reviewed for quality prior to being accepted for presentation at that conference.
Presentation
This is similar to a poster but is presented in an oral format via software (e.g. Powerpoint). Again, it may or may not be reviewed for quality.
Case Study(ies)
These can be in the form of a single-person case study or a multiple-person case study (small number of people). These are typically not research because they are not systematically designed to answer a question, nor can results from one or a few individuals answer questions related to the general population.
While these are important first steps in the research process, they are no substitute for a research article. Also, these may be published in peer-review, academic journals; however, they are specific to the individual studied and should not be over-generalized.
Testimonial
Of course the most common of these come from celebrities. They are subjective interpretations of personal experiences and are not valid in a context outside of that individual. While they are very important to that individual, it may be that not all people like them will experience the same outcome.
Why do marketers use these? Because they work and help to sell the marketer’s product. Be the weariest of these forms of “evidence”.
Remember that these forms of “evidence” never can be substituted for a full research article in a peer-reviewed, academic journal.
Also, be aware that true research articles may be presented or listed; however, many times these are only loosely related to the product.
For example, a study performed on a different WBV machine than the one being marketed should be questioned. This is especially true when comparing lineal and pivotal studies.
Many marketers also present studies that use direct muscle vibration (very different than WBV) or industrial WBV to increase the number of studies listed under their “research” sections. These are only loosely related to WBV and the reader should be aware that these types of studies are not direct evidence of the treatment’s effectiveness.
Be leery of these marketing practices to pass these “studies” off as “proof” that something is safe or effective since quantity is never a substitute for quality.
Next Part: Understanding the Different Sections of a Research Article.
Written by David M. Bazett-Jones on July 31st, 2007
40 Comments
David …
Remember that this site is primarily going to be used by consumers and some trainers looking for the odd tit-bit of info. Even some of my small papers have been borderline boring , with hardly any replies.
I suggest to get your articals topical and hence get more responses , you should review the research you find interesting or new and condense the results into “lay-speak”. And sugest where it may be used. This should at least start the odd fight. I personally promise to make up some wild theories to counter everything you write just for good measure.
Of course this imparts a certain amount of trust you will write unbiased reviews for us , but im sure you will get pulled up sooner of later if you slip.
And then we have to find where you live and ……well never mind no pressure here right ?
It may be important to note that the hits on the old research site from my website was less than 700, out of 78,000 visits.
Oh, and you didnt comment on my removal of all research from vibra-train.com
Not exactly the message you may have been expecting but it’s meant to provoke some thought .
- David M. Bazett-Jones
August 2nd, 2007Well Lloyd, I figured I would get a reply from at least you, so it was worth it.
Part of the reason for the request for comments was that I want to make sure that the article was written in “lay-speak”. I wouldn’t want to be accused of being a big-talking researcher.
As far as topical articles, I will refrain from writing about things that have not been studied (e.g. programs, etc) because I will not claim something that is too unknown. However, I will always present a practical use, if one can be generated.
As for trust, I am confident that I can write unbiased reviews, even if you don’t like what I write. And maybe I will write a little something for you to conjure up some wild theories about.
Too bad your research site didn’t get more hits. I guess it just goes to show that many consumers are sheep. Baaaaaaaaa! I hope my articles can help them educate themselves and make good, informed decisions as they drop big cash for WBV machines.
- Di Heap
August 2nd, 2007
living in a country of 4.2million people and 45million sheep we know all about Baaaaaaa! (Back later for more comment)
- Di Heap
August 2nd, 2007Okay, a few comments, not in any specific order:
1) New Zealander’s (that’s where I live) like to try new “things” - tools, toys, ways of doing exercise/life. This means that advertising or testimonials can be very successful in getting people to try out a service. But, if the service fails to live up to the testimonial or expectations then people talk; tell their neighbors and others avoid the product. From what I’ve observed, controlled wbv training is doing well in New Zealand and that in spite of loud voices raised against it. Good results, like mine, speak volumes louder than the results of studies with all the variables they require to be acceptable.
2) On January 1, 2007 I would never have dreamed that within weeks I would be defending a product such as Vibration Training. What little advertising I had read about Vibration Training, mostly Power-plate adverts, focussed on the things I dislike - the overt worship of the human body form. A few articles in local newspapers and a few Vibra-Train adverts (not Lloyd’s actual studio) prompted me to check it out. The rest is history and I have been telling others how “great it is” ever since. Not all my friends and family enjoy it and many haven’t returned after their first session, mostly because it was “hard!” (of course it’s hard. It’s exercise!) Some of my friends wont even try it out as they perceive it to be for the fit and active and this is the perception that I’d like to help change.
Again this is a “sheep” mentality and the one that I had - that gyms are for the already trained.Vibration Training, in my opinion only, needs to stay out of fitness gyms! This makes it harder to be a commercial success maybe but allows access to a wider range of people (also having specifically trained Instructors). In New Zealand at Vibra-Train and some other studios commercial success and ethics exist together and people from all sections of the community have positive experience of Vibration Training.
3)Abstract (summary of research) is all that is available to me as I am not willing to pay to read the whole research articles, so I just hope that the summary is true and not misleading and that it lists at least some of the constraints/variables and controls that the study used.
4)quote:[Also, be aware that true research articles may be presented or listed; however, many times these are only loosely related to the product.]
This has been said many times and is the biggest reason for the debate on this site. I guess this shows that for Consumers, study results have no or very little use at all. This site is a good place to come to ask questions, no matter where in the world you live as answers given come from the Principals and Users of varying companies. - Di Heap
August 2nd, 2007Back to the Sheep comment, as that’s what my country is famous for. Sheep follow! So if we consumers are Sheep, then we need trustworthy Shepherds. I’m going to give praise to Lloyd. He’s not the only one worthy of trust but he is the one that I have met. He’s at the forefront of this Industry in New Zealand and worldwide and he gives lots of his own time (apart from business time) to teach about controlled WB Vibration training and Vibration therapy and the types of machines available. He’s written many articles and his manner, which can be provocative, has helped many people make informative decisions about brands, studios, home use machines and just what to spend their money on.
He does not advertise his own studio (a point I have already made which I’m sure seems strange). I’ve seen adverts for his generic brand and some specific to other studios but not his specific studio, so while he might seem to saying that he has a quality product, he doesn’t overly promote it locally. It’s done by the sheep instead! He has told me many times to try out other brands of studio, and I have. Now I enjoy getting people who have tried other machines to come along and try out Lloyd’s machines and see the look of agony on their face as they find that not all machines are equal.. (This relates to sports/fitness people as obviously for therapy needs people might not need to feel exercise pain). Also the highest force isn’t always the best for all people - before someone corrects me.
Okay, my comments have little to do with your article and much to do with sheep. I’ll be interested to read some articles from you, David, but only if they are easily understood as I’m not an academic. I don’t know if they will invoke much response though.
- Mike Hair
August 3rd, 2007Oh my goodness David I nearly went to sleep after reading the first 2 lines of your article, I am of the opionion that most people come on to this forum to ask about what kind of machine is the best for there needs, which machine is safe or what programs should be trusted, not to read a research article on how to research research.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz oops, sorry nearly nooded off again…. - John Weatherly
August 3rd, 2007David,
I thought your article was excellent but then I’m trained in science and “enjoy” reading and synthesizing research. I think this is a “great idea” -you doing a monthly research digest etc.
- David M. Bazett-Jones
August 3rd, 2007Di,
I know that you are not one of the “sheep” because it was a general comment regarding acceptance of fitness equipment by the general public. I knew NZ was known for sheep but did not use the terminology for this reason (actually it is kind of funny that I did that by accident). Lloyd definitely is at the forefront of the industry, especially in NZ. (Actually, NZ and Australia for at the forefront of the fitness/exercise industry in general, which is great for you).
Yes, abstracts are the most available source of information, but care must be taken in generalizing them. You will soon find a list of articles on this site that have links to free articles. I am working on that so you can be better informed. And I can only hope that my articles are easily understood by those non-academics. Let me know right away if they are not.
Mike,
I am glad that you got some sleep but I did not write it for those who do not care to be educated. Not everyone on this site is a consumer only. Hopefully those practitioners who venture here can appreciate my contribution. But thanks for the comment anyway.
- Di Heap
August 4th, 2007A Question: (for David and Lloyd and All)
Is it even possible to design and conduct a valid study into any aspect of Controlled WBV; one that produces results that no one can say are flawed? ie stating the machine used, specs and measured specs plus controlling the participants etc.
My reason for asking is this statement in a research article on Resistance Training for Strength (using weights) from University of NSW 2005:
” The ambiguity of evidence of the additional benefits of multiple sets may be due to shortcomings in the design of relevant studies. Some studies do not randomly allocate subjects to training groups (3,12), exposing these studies to allocation bias (1), few have adequate sample sizes (13,22),and many have high rates of loss to follow-up (22,32). Another problem is that many studies are confounded by the effects of co-interventions because groups either train at
different intensities (17,29,30) or use different resistance exercise equipment (18,19).”” The speed at which a resistance exercise is performed is another training variable that may influence effectiveness of strength training.” ”
This study is Regular Resistance Training using weights and the researchers are aware of these pitfalls to the feasibility of the results.
Lloyd, maybe you can suggest a valid way that *any topic* research study can be done on a Vibration Platform. Is there a “foolproof” way? Would it necessarily have to be done in a Vibration Studio rather than a university testing site and even then how would the machines be certified accurate to specs? Would this have to be checked at each session? Would the machines used be checked against each other and only a small variance allowed? And I haven’t mentioned the subjects and the accuracy of positions as defined by the study. The more I read about sports/athletics studies the more aware I am of the difficulties of doing research studies.
David, your comments also please. The problems stated in the quote above are the same problems that have shown up in studies on Vibration Training. How do you control studies to ensure they are not flawed as above?
- Di Heap
August 4th, 2007FYI: http://tinyurl.com/3dqtgf links to an abstract of the above quoted study. I have a copy of the whole article.
- David M. Bazett-Jones
August 6th, 2007Di and all,
Designing and conducting research is very difficult. There are many, many variables that must be taken into account, and not all variables can be accounted for. This is the reason that there is no such thing as a “perfect” research study. In essence, all research is “flawed”; however, I would not state it that way. All research has limitations that must be cited and accounted for in interpreting the results. Too often we want a study be the answer to all of our questions but that is nowhere near realistic. Even in science, it is difficult to say something is fact. Research adds evidence to the body of knowledge about a subject, but it never proves a “fact”. Each individual study is only a small piece of the enormous research puzzle, not the answer to all our questions.
Di’s discussion of the different variables and factors to think about are only a small fraction of the total. And she perfectly sums it up at the end by saying, “The more I read about sports/athletics studies the more aware I am of the difficulties of doing research studies.” So why do research when it seems that it is almost a waste of time? Well, because it is the only way that theories and ideas are accepted as close to fact. It is necessary not only to the advancement of WBV but the advancement of rehabilitation, performance, sports, medical care, and the list could go on and on. Research is easily the most challenging that I do, but it also is very rewarding, especially when you can contribute to the body of knowledge (by publishing).
- John Weatherly
August 6th, 2007David,
I already mentioned I think the article is excellent. I noticed a small error. I believe, under the Testimonials section, you use the word “weariness” instead of “wariness.” As you know, wariness means to be “on-guard” while “weariness” means tired etc. Great job with the article though!
David…
I disagree slightly with one point…
” because it is the only way that theories and ideas are accepted as close to fact”.
I am not getting referals from Doctors and Physios from research they have read. It is from hard work on the floor proving my therories and ideas day after day and answering all questions posed at me with precision enough for them to trust me. And indeed you would like to test my units due to the “work” I have done including all the posts and articles on this site, not any research done on my units ,correct ?
Note: Alot of theories have been accepted and technology used for years before the researchers validate what everybody already knew from persoanal experience was fact.
Research itself is important but is just a piece of the puzzle.
- John Weatherly
August 7th, 2007Research in strength and conditioning in general has “helped” some but actually “followed” what was known in the trenches anecdotally. It’s helped sort out what from the trenches is true and what isn’t. Science moves too slow and there’s very little grant money or interaction at univeristies in the US at least as far as athletic training etc. So, how do we remedy this with vibration and vibration research David? Are you going to tell me that the work of Dr. Alex Mikheev of the former USSR (lives in Belarus)on vibration (done on athletes) doesn’t mean anything because it wasn’t published in an English-speaking peer-reviewed research journal? Heck, the Soviets - as I’ve mentioned already on another post - were looking at vibration as far back as the 70’s. Where were/are you guys?????
- David M. Bazett-Jones
August 9th, 2007Note: Athletic training is not the same as personal training or strength training athletes.
Definition of an Athletic Trainer who performs athletic training (called Athletic Therapy is some countries): Allied health care professional who specializes in the prevention, assessment, treatment and
rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses.And all research is valid, if I could read Russian, I would be all over those articles. Anyone have English translations?
- David M. Bazett-Jones
August 9th, 2007John & Lloyd are correct that many times research only backs up (follows) that which is known in the field. Research does move slowly but it is necessary. Thinking that as long as people “work” to prove their ideas is short sighted. Here is how I see it: Researchers and practitioners need to work together to find out what works best. It must be an equal relationship and neither group is more important than the other. If we want WBV to be able to help many people, then we need research. The reason is that many people cannot afford to be healthy (e.g. go to a WBV studio at 10 bucks a pop, eat good foods) because it is expensive. If research shows that WBV works as an intervention for obesity, osteoporosis, or other diseases, then insurance (government or private) will pay for it. Until then, those people will have to pay out of pocket. Is that helping all or just those who can afford it? As I have said before, WBV is not the panacea for every ailment in the world marketers must be careful how they present it. Otherwise, we are going to have more people like Sal talking about the Soloflex as if it is the standard WBV machine (which is obvious to us but not the general public). My research is not going to be everything that WBV needs and neither is Lloyd’s work in the field. We must team up and work together, even those companies in competition because if WBV is not supported, all companies are going to lose, not to mention the countless individual that it could help.
- John Weatherly
August 9th, 2007David,
Yes, athletic training is not the same as strength and conditioning but where does this leave us with vibration and vibration research in the athletic “setting” which was the point of my question? And yes, I do have an English translation of Dr. Mikheev’s work for one of his PhDs - he has two Phds - this is his most recent.
- mike Hair
August 9th, 2007Hi David,
You are right in a way when you say “The reason is that many people cannot afford to be healthy (e.g. go to a WBV studio at 10 bucks a pop, eat good foods) because it is expensive.”
I think it is more expensive long term not to be looking after your health, therefore we need to change peoples perseption on what is expensive, e.g. continue wasting money on crap food or change there eating habits and get into excercise. Personally I probably waste 10 bucks a day just on coffee, so if people are serious about their health they will find the money. Firstly I would like to say , no research in the world will make people look after themselves. I in fact offer free sessions to people who have acute/life threatening health problems. And some never bother to come.
Di is right , that some people do not appreciate help and I personally believe this will only change when insurance companies ,governments and employers work together to make it compulsorily for any individual who expects a working health system to contribute to their own well being.
I believe some form of exercise will be expected of everyone in the future. This may sound heavy handed but as a mortician I see no other way around the issue.
As for better relationships with researchers…
I would love to help researchers, but my personal experiences tell me to sit back and watch for peoples true intentions to show through.
I will give you an example of just one of my lessons.
A medical facility here in N.Z. approched me in 2004. They wanted to do research on the elderly. Namely in the feild of incontinence , pelvic stability and osteo related conditions. Headed by a well known Doctor with a good reputation for research.
I made a deal that all research would be made public under the generic term ” Vibration Therapy “. No company would own it.
I arranged for a machine to be used by them for approx 6 months.
At the end of the 6 months they refused to release the results . 2 months later they did release something though.
Their own machine .
Their reseach was purely profit driven They never intended to help anyone but themselves.
Now I know you David are not responsable for that particular lesson and it’s not even fair to in any way make you pay for it, but by the same token I can not ignore it ,and puts a ravine between you guys and myself.
That is why your future relationship and judgement of PowerPlates behaviour is of interest to me.
Note: That companies machine broke down on mass and they never took off .
- Di Heap
August 9th, 2007There is always a way to pay for what people consider to be valuable. Our wants often scream louder than our needs so we buy junk food and go to movies.
I haven’t previously said much about money but in my home there has been argument about the cost of Vibration Training - with me going to a studio regularly and 2 others less often, it does cost $’s. So it is necessary to evaluate the worth/ benefits gained for the $ cost. For me it has been invaluable - not that I could afford to pay more than I do. Vastly improved core strength (just weak and also worsened by a fall over a year ago) means I can take part in fun and competitive walking and running events with decreased number of injuries and so much less $ paid to Physiotherapist (Part cost as our country’s Accident Insurance pays some). I am overweight and that has decreased slightly plus a full set of blood tests for everything imaginable came back all normal where previously I had elevated blood sugars, elevated insulin (yes both, which adds up to a problem). I am not doing extra regular exercise but compared with this time last year I am doing less.
I wish I had, had a full medical assessment before starting Vibration Training so I could show my results. (which of course would be debunked by people like Sal as not proving anything).Health Insurance in NZ is not held by all as we have a State run health system (Like Canada) and both rarely covers exercise requirements like Gym or Vibration Training but in the future I hope these things will be included…like a fence at the top of the hill rather than an ambulance at the bottom.
- Di Heap
August 9th, 2007A point to discuss: Should Vibration Training Studios and Gyms charge a membership or have a Pay as you Go system. Gyms in NZ have memberships with no casual visits at all! Today we actually found and visited one that had a casual fee $12NZ and it was busy as that is a (just) affordable fee.
Vibration Training Studios here charge between $10 (for basic program $15 with anti-cellulite massage for females) and $24 or more per visit depending on the Studio branding. 3 x $24 is way more than I can afford so it’s great that I’ve found the cheapest provider to also be the best. If I had to pay a joining fee and an advance (year) membership I would not be able to go.Reason for posting this - economics. If a program is available at good quality and low cost, people will give it a go. Providers benefit from increased turnover (more people thru the door, more often).
So yes, research might one day help Governments and Insurance Companies decide to fund Vibration Training and Gyms but for now it’s up to the Suppliers to make it readily and economically available in my opinion
Also a few points to note:
(1) Pay as you go also means people are more likely to use the system correctly , unlike people who turn up to the gym just to wander around.
(2) Forces operators to recognize that customer service plays a big part in getting repeat visitors. Not like membership gyms where they totally ignore you unless you pay extra to be noticed ( personal trainer ).
I believe “user pays” will dominate the fitness industry in the future.
- Di Heap
August 9th, 2007I will qualify my comment that high quality and lower cost will mean that People will Give it a Go! I do agree with Lloyd that some, actually many people wont bother trying no matter how much incentive is offered. I have told many neighbors, family and friends how much benefit I have gained from Vibration Training and that their first visit is free with no pressure as there’s no joining fee, no membership; yet very few of these people have bothered to try it. Most are overweight middle-aged females who would definitely benefit. One has been offered a possible sponsorship for severe health needs yet still hasn’t bothered with a first visit since being told this might be available to her 3/12 ago. Others are simply too busy which is the same excuse as too expensive! There are two studios within a mile of my home, so none of these people have a valid excuse.
My daughter moans about the cost because she is a student (and usually I pay for her once a week, while she pays on any other visit) yet she enjoys Vibration Training very much and says she feels much stronger when she goes. She can afford to buy tickets to whatever band (Fall out Boy etc) is having a concert in NZ..It’s all about priorities. If someone really would benefit from Vibration Training and can’t afford the costs involved (and have budgeting help) I think many NZ Studios would look favorably on them. It’s going to take too long for Research to help this problem even if it does help in the future.
- MikeyB
August 10th, 2007Di & Lloyd,
Yes I also agree that pay as you go is great because it makes studio provide better customer service.There is a huge range in prices at different studios and Di you may believe that the one you attend is the best but I can assure you it it not the cheapest in the auckland area as you stated.
Yes Di , I do not want to be known as the cheapest in town. It sounds , well I don’t know , cheap.
- Di Heap
August 10th, 2007Okay Lloyd, so you’re not the cheapest in town. The prices for using your machines and program are definitely affordable especially as they are quality.
Cheap, that is really cheap, is using the unknown quality machine in the gym up the road as part of gym membership.
- John Weatherly
August 11th, 2007The “pay as you go” makes a lot of sense to me too.
Nice
This is the exchange so far between a few members at coreperformance and Scott Hopson Power Plates main research guy…
John W
Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 317Thanks Scott. I read that paper a while back. It’ll be great to get your input. Can you tell me how Power Plate could have Dr. Marco Cardinale listed on their Scientific Advisory Board in 2007 and he’s never had anything to do with Power Plate?
In fact Cardinale has a sports science blog and he speaks of the companies he’s been involved with on that blog (search vibration). Google Marco Cardinale, PhD as I don’t recall the specific address for the blog but it will come up and you can click on it.
Also, Dr. Cardinale confirmed on http://www.vibrationtraining.net last year that he has not ever done research on or been involved with Power Plate. In fact, I just spoke with “a scientist” this am that speaks with Cardinale a couple times a year and has even co-authored papers with Cardinale. Thus, it would appear that Power Plate used Cardinale’s name in 07 on their advisory board and he didn’t even know about it. Can you clarify this for members of core performance?
#4 Yesterday, 12:43 PM
ScottH_APE
Director of Power Plate Education and Research, Athletes Performance Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 8Hey John,
Thanks for the post. On the matter of the Power Plate Scientific Medical Advisory Board, I can honestly tell you that an error was indeed made regarding Dr. Marco Cardinale. Quite simply this was a case of an honest error in marketing resulting in an innaccurate members list being posted. Of all the names on the original list the only error was Dr. Cardinale. As soon as this mistake was recognized the list was removed with immediate effect and apologies extended / responsibility accepted by all those involved.
Having said this; if you now view the correct SMAB on the website you will see some truly worldclass members, including some well published in WBV, creating an outstanding mind set not only in WBV but also human health, wellness and performance. It is a same that one error has lead to such confusion and miscommunication. This can be changed as easily as it was created!
Obviously there will always be certain confidentiality to such matters that i will not discuss on a public forum, yet i hope that all forum members would respect this, from an integrity standpoint.
so…lets talk vibration…;-)
#8 Yesterday, 05:31 PM
Lloyd Shaw
Member Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 47Forwarded Research
——————————————————————————–
I have a number of ethical issues with Power Plate which I am sure you are aware of Scott. , and no I dont believe they are all “honest mistakes”. But in the spirit of your being a researcher and not a marketer ….
A simple question to start with…..
As a researcher what would you do if a machine was supplied to you not working to full spec. You have almost finished your research when this is discovered and you find out the company that supplied you the machinery knew it to be faulty the whole time.
But never told you.
Now before you go and say this has nothing to do with the actual subject at hand I will explain my angle.
We are asking athletes to trust us to some degree as researchers in a new industry , so just like a weightlifter trusts a 20kg dumbbell manufacturer it is actually 20kg , as that is a “constant theoretical ” that would be used in research and training , so any variation in the “real” weight would make it impossible to replicate the results, hence making the research useless to an athlete or his/her trainer trying to set a researched based program.
The reason I ask…
A certain company released thousands of machines performing well under their advertised specs , some went to researchers , some went to the public.
As a researcher trying to convince people this is a real science , do you think this is an acceptable practice ?
Please note: I am asking you as a researcher , not a spokesperson for a company.
#10 Today, 07:09 AM
Tim Olsson
Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 2Is NASA using Power Plate units?
#11 Today, 08:48 AM
ScottH_APE
Director of Power Plate Education and Research, Athletes Performance Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 8——————————————————————————–
Hi Lloyd,
I do not know the cir***stances in this matter of which you speak. It would be complete conjecture on my part to assume i do, or indeed to comment on them. It would show very poor integrity, on my part, to pass judgment on any parties involved.
From one person to another i will say that i have great compassion toward you for any unfortunate experience[s] you have encountered. It is my experience, having worked globally with clinical and academic leaders in Vibration Training, that such experiences as yours are not the norm or indeed encountered at all. Among the dozens of studies i have seen come to publication on the Power Plate technology, as well as thousands of clinical users, i have observed no statement of faulty / unethical or missleading practices of equipment.
As a researcher and educator i personally would feel frustrated and angry if i had indeed had the experience[s] that you speak of . Again, however, i know not the reality of what you speak of. By the same tokein i would insist on looking at current standards of practice also. Again - i am aware of some great work being done in this category, and not of any unethical ones.
What i would LOVE, lloyd, is for all of us to learn and gain insight from YOUR obvious wealth of understanding and experience in Vibration Training. You addressed me as a scientist and educator, not marketeer, and i will now ask the same of you. Lets discuss the science and application as such like minded people.
I imagine you have an abandance of knowledge to share.
lets jump in…
all the best
scott
#18 Today, 03:10 PM
ScottH_APE
Director of Power Plate Education and Research, Athletes Performance Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 8Hey Tim,
no - no one can use NASA logo or name
Power Plate is Vertical and 3D (vertical, sagittal and frontal)
scott
#19 Today, 05:35 PM
Lloyd Shaw
Member Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 47Denial ?
Two points here Scott , as I said no use us talking about a new science if no-one trusts us right ?
(1) Sorry Scott because you have worked for that organization for a number of years I thought you may have some insight , so I guess I will have to fill you in online.
Note: I was not refering to my own experience as that was a commercial dealing, we are only talking research and education here , as that is your field.
Below is a statement from a well know researcher who had this exact problem with Power Plate , putting 2 yrs of research into doubt.
David M. Bazett-Jones
July 13th, 2007
U.S. Based researcher.
“As far as my study in 2005, we only measured the accelerations (which were different than the manufacturer’s claimed accelerations).”He found out the machines were not performing to spec from me on another site, his own tests reveal this to be true. Anyone here can contact him to confirm this.
I have a list of other researchers/universities with identical problems in different countries , N.Z. , Australia and U.S. . Not one of them has been contacted by Power Plate voluntarily yet .
My question again is simple , how does this make for good ethical research that an athlete can trust ?
(2) Is it true that Clinton Rubin has also asked Power Plate to stop using his name in all promotional material.
This is a statement directly from him as of last night…..
“yes, we notified them, to stop quoting me and stop quoting my research.
doesnt seem to have stopped them .”Please do not say you cant comment because you dont know , you are a researcher correct ? if you really are in the dark on this ……
…..research it and come back with an answer.
#21 Today, 03:30 AM
Tim Olsson
Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 3Thanks Scott!
I did doubt that the Swedish Power Plate manager was being truthful when he said that Power Plate are allowed to use the NASA seal in marketing.
#25 Today, 07:07 AM
ScottH_APE
Director of Power Plate Education and Research, Athletes Performance Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 15Tim,
That is certaily not truthful if a distributor said that. Sorry to hear that they told you otherwise. I dont know their cr***stances for believing so. Could be honest mistake. Maybe not.
#28 Today, 07:43 AM
ScottH_APE
Director of Power Plate Education and Research, Athletes Performance Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 15——————————————————————————–
Hey Lloyd,
I appreciate your messages and concerns. I must say that i really dont feel this forum (or any) can possibly benefit from the direction that this converstation is going. Discussions of ethics, trust, integrity are both subjective and transient. Everyone has their own perspective and reality behind such.
You present your side of these circmstances and i will NOT argue that your experience was otherwise. Only you and the parties involved directly can state otherwise. Likewise, I respectfully ask you extend us, the same level of professional curtesy. You opened your reply to me with the Title “Denial?”. This is both innappropriate and out of tone with the purpose of this forum. You likewise replied on the forum with the Title “Guilty Silence from Core Performance” regarding Power Plate back in July. Opening communication with disrespectful opinions will not foster open and constructive growth.
If every discussion about Vibration Training continues to become a debate about this, it will not elevate to truly impacting on the science and application of this technology / tool.
If you state a list of researchers who claim unethical behavior i wll show you a list of world class peer respected, peer reviewed and published investigators who would argue otherwise. If you show me data with poorly configured product i will show you others that rebuttal…convincingly.If you say there are those that do not trust the technology, i will show you thousands that do and can show hard evidence of results. Isnt this life?
I can even tell you that i spent a couple of years in great communication with David Bazzett Jones and not once has he reported such unethical concerns. Indeed David has continuously expressed gratitude for the product, support and comunication with Power Plate - even requesting more support as his studies progress. If the readers called David they would learn of this too. David presented and published his paper at, and with, the NSCA in 2007. Nowhere in his paper did it mention product fault or incorrect magnitudes of force, etc.
On another note; Clint Rubin sells his own product called Juvent. I have no problems with this and do not think it biases his work. However, can you accuse one company of being biased (because they make money) and yet hold another to another standard? Rubins work is published in the world of vibration. Anyone can reference it in accordance with governing and professional standards.
where does this lead? Certainly NOT to the purpose and objective of this forum.
Personally lloyd - id love to learn and share of your personal experiences. I think such discussions would be better served over a cold beer, rather than a public forum.
Having read your second reply about motor patterning and vibration it is very clear that we agree on many components. Can we not take this shared mind set and help foster real education and clinical practice?
That, Lloyd, is my desire…truly. I have never met you, seen your work, and would not dream of opposing that which I have no experience of. I certainly will not judge or disrespect.
what say we stick to the agenda and get back to what matters
thanks
scott
#34 Today, 01:43 PM
Lloyd Shaw
Member Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 49Everyone has their own perspective and reality behind such?
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“Everyone has their own perspective and reality behind such ?”
Scott , I was talking about engineering tests , not my perspective or reality , you are speaking like a lawyer not a researcher .
I work in Theory , Development and Production , the 3 parts of this science that must be done properly and honestly before you can do yours , so then people can trust our collective advice.
You do not seem to value the honesty part of that equation. Or you would have engaged with me openly about why alot of athletes who have tried Vibration Training , do not take it seriously.
Companies releasing products that do not function properly and covering it up is a big part of that problem , I have witnessed it myself , and very relevent to this conversation and forum . If the company you represent has done this at any time , you should be impartial and comment openly.
We ask young athletes not to drug cheat but we turn a blind eye to this and then ask for respect ?
We represent the industry Scott , so you failing to discuss it is just not right. And everyone here knows it.
A reminder of ACE B APs own words…..
“Transparency is important for our community– it won’t work without it.”
Lloyd Shaw
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Add Lloyd Shaw to Your Buddy List#35 Today, 02:01 PM
Lloyd Shaw
Member Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 49Goodbye..
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I will be leaving this forum now , but my parting post hopefully will give all athletes something to think about…….
This is some of the tactics used to shift product I have witnessed to date , on a global scale , by the company Scott Hopson says is ethical and we should trust. Print it off because it wont stay up long and I expect to be banned for this.
(1) Use Doctors names without permission.
(2) Use Researchers names without permission, even when asked to stop.
(3) Trick a disabled person to get a photo on a Power Plate unit at a tradeshow . They then use it in the Disabled and Supportive Care magazine to try and sell machines to other disabled people. This person laid a complaint and called Power Plate “unscrupulous marketers ” .
(4) Fake celebrity endorsements.
(5) Made in China stickers taken off , Made in Sweden stickers put on.
(6) Swap photos on multiple research papers so the consumer thinks their machine was involved in those tests.
(7) Engineering tests from steel machines tested at a German university attached to plastic Chinese machines.
(8) Attempted sale of a machine not functioning properly to a blind institute.
(9) Injunction attempted by Power Plate to stop information released to the public. They failed which is why you can read this.
Two of the worlds top researchers in Vibration Training have asked to never be associated with the Power Plate name, so this is not one person with a grudge causing a problem for them, these are professionals that know the industry and do not like what Power Plate represents.
………………………………………….. ………………………………………….. ………………………………………….. ………………………………………….. ……..
My new website is going to have a feature article on a number of companies along with the names of the individuals who support or actively hide the above behaviour.
It is a shame because some of these people have done good work , but thats not what they will be remembered for. You just made the grade Scott.
” We are judged by the company we keep “
So to recap , Scott did exactly what we expected of a marketer. Claim he knows nothing of the company he has work with for years. Even the department he is in charge of.
He will be remembered for …
“I do not know the circumstances in this matter of which you speak.”
Which is basically what he said to every question he was asked.
The writer of the article above about how to read research also did as we expected, complained to us about his Power Plate not working to spec , but “forgot” to mention it to his peers .
“I can even tell you that i spent a couple of years in great communication with David Bazzett Jones and not once has he reported such unethical concerns. Indeed David has continuously expressed gratitude for the product, support and comunication with Power Plate - even requesting more support as his studies progress. If the readers called David they would learn of this too. David presented and published his paper at, and with, the NSCA in 2007. Nowhere in his paper did it mention product fault or incorrect magnitudes of force, etc.
Good on you David , you let everybody down.
Continued….
#37 Today, 06:17 PM
Mike Hair
Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1purpose of this forum?
As an independent studio owner that has a hugh interest in the vibration training industry I think that this forum is valuable for reaching the masses and letting them know the truth about WBV.
If somebody exposes the truth about faulty products and unethical behavior, should that be taken as a personal grudge?
I have personally seen and felt the devastation that silence and unethical behavior can cause with both time and finances.
If a company is selling faulty products and attaching false claims then the public have a right to know don’t you think? This nearly cost me and my family their livelihood. (please no sympathy votes)
It is not fair to both the industry nor the athletes to be lied to by flashy marketing.Regards
Mike#38 Today, 07:01 PM
Lloyd Shaw
Member Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 50David M. Bazett-Jones statements regarding Power Plate tests..
David M. Bazett-Jones
July 18th, 2007“As far as having “engineering reports” done on machines, I would argue that it is the ethical responsibility of the manufacturer to do this testing and report the results.”
“I agree that all plates should be tested before………I can only wish that I thought of this prior to doing this study.”
“This was years of planning, testing, and analyzing that I put in to this project. I could not account for limitations in the study that I was not aware of at that time.”
“As I had said previously, the limitations of our measurements and the platform are presented in the paper”
“I own the results and will publish them how I like, whether or not Power Plate likes the results or not.”
Ask yourself people , what happened to this report ?
Scott Hopson says I had…… ” great communication with David Bazzett Jones and not once has he reported such unethical concerns”
But he told us ?
Well I got kicked off coreperformance , just for asking some questions . Not surprising considering the company they keep.
I sent a message to their admin pointing out that discussions about drug cheats where posters name athletes , coaches and companies , who have only been accused is allowed. But we cant talk about something factual ?
“Rotten to the coreperformance”
Says it all I think.
- Tim
July 21st, 2008Yes, what a shame, but no surprise. They are not into transparency. Wouldn´t be good for short term sales.
Its a shame for the athletes who are now going to only get advice from a marketer disguised as a researcher .
But it was read over 800 times so thats a major chunk of their readers. Thats going to have a trickle down effect.
Becoming a bit of a joke on CorePerformance…..
John has asked some pretty basic questions to Scott Hopson ( Director of Power Plate Education and Research ) but recieved no answers since the 22/8.
But Scott has been logged on a number of times over that period. It would seems he does not know as much as he claims.
What a surprise.
- John Weatherly
September 4th, 2008Just a note on Scott H. and my questions on the performance section of the forum on the vibration training thread at http://www.coreperformance.com. My last post was a recap of questions for Scott to answer. So far, no answers. And Scott said in one of his posts “any questions.” I then posted the questions starting with the amplitude question. I have sent messages to the site administrator at coreperformance.com the last two days asking when Scott was going to get around to answering these questions. So far I have not had any response at all from the site administrator. Really makes me wonder?????
August 2nd, 2007
Please provide feedback to my article. I know it isn’t as controversial as it is educational but all feedback, positive and/or constructive, is welcome.
Also, let me know if there are any other research topics you would like to see written about. If you do not want to post, send ideas to bazetthound@juno.com.
Beginning this month, I will be providing a monthly research digest to summarize the research that has come out in the 1-2 months. I hope to provide 4-5 summaries, and if it is a slow month, I will pull up some older studies and do them as well.