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. 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00613.2022

Commentaries on Viewpoint: Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst: can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences?

PMCID: PMC9762970  PMID: 36509417
J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Remote data collection in sport nutrition research

Julien Louis 1, Sam Bennett 1,2, Daniel J Owens 1, Eve Tiollier 3, Franck Brocherie 3

to the editor: Remote data collection (1) is of growing interest, especially in sport nutrition, whereby a specific diet and/or supplement is prescribed in conjunction with exercise training. Verifying adherence to prescribed interventions and estimation of dietary intake is paramount. Food diaries, dietary recall, and remote food photography methods (2) are already commonplace for monitoring dietary intake with the integration of training data (i.e., power output, heart rate) collected from online platforms (e.g., TrainingPeaks, Strava) connected to participants’ own sports equipment (3) permitting the estimation of daily energy expenditure remotely (4). Researchers may therefore bridge the gap between laboratory and techniques classically used in field situations without the need for expensive laboratory equipment. It may also facilitate greater participation and compliance. For example, in a study by Bennett et al. (3), 495 training sessions and 165 testing sessions were performed remotely by 55 participants within a 2-mo period of national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important to ensure that standardization and quality control are maintained across all participants, by providing clear instructions and frequent contact points. Familiarization sessions should be scheduled and used to verify the reliability of procedures. It is also recommended that all training and dietary intake data be visually inspected (i.e., review raw data) to ensure that protocols are followed correctly. Finally, when additional metabolic or body composition measurement is required, we suggest combining online training and nutritional prescription with laboratory-based testing (5). At a time where we all need to reduce our carbon footprint, remote data collection appears more relevant than ever.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

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  • 2. Stables RG, Kasper AM, Sparks SA, Morton JP, Close GL. An assessment of the validity of the remote food photography method (termed Snap-N-Send) in experienced and inexperienced sport nutritionists. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 31: 125–134, 2021. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0216. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 3. Bennett S, Tiollier E, Brocherie F, Owens D, Morton J, Louis J. Three weeks of a home-based “sleep low-train low” intervention improves functional threshold power in trained cyclists: a feasibility study. PLoS One 16: e0260959, 2021. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260959. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 4. Taylor HL, Garabello G, Pugh J, Morton JP, Langan-Evans C, Louis J, Borgersen R, Areta JL. Patterns of energy availability of free-living athletes display day-to-day variability that is not reflected in laboratory-based protocols: insights from elite male road cyclists. J Sport Sci 40: 1849–1856, 2022. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2115676. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Commentary on Viewpoint: Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst: can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences?

Marcelo A S Carneiro 1,2, Paulo Ricardo P Nunes 2,3, Bruna Costa 1, Pâmela Castro-e-Souza 1, Luís A Lima 1, Felipe Lisboa 1, Gersiel Oliveira-Júnior 2,4, Witalo Kassiano 1, Edilson S Cyrino 1, Fábio L Orsatti 2

to the editor: Recently, Souza et al. (1) in their study proposed a discussion on remote data collection. Research questions involving validity and reliability for remote data collection and applying remote physical exercise to older people (especially those with comorbidities) are of health interest, due to the high mortality risk of this population. The COVID-19 pandemic promoted a decrease in physical activity levels in older people (2), which may lead to a decrease in muscular power and an increase in mortality (3). Beyond the pandemic context, remote data collection may also be viable to improve research aspects (increase in sample size of future studies and possibility of conducting multicentric investigations). Regarding data collection, the sit-to-stand test from a chair (STS) power obtained from the STS of 30-s test was proposed as a reliable, simple, inexpensive, and fast way to assess muscular power in clinical practice and health centers (4). Concerning physical exercise, our laboratory demonstrated that functional high-intensity interval training (F-HIIT) performed only with body mass resistance improves STS performance in older women with obesity (5). F-HIIT may be performed at home with supervision since this exercise protocol mimics common daily physical activity routines (the capacity to climb stairs and stand from a seated position). Thus, STS and F-HIIT can be self-performed only with remote supervision, without the need for direct in-person between researcher and subject during the data collection process. Future research could explore the validity and reliability of STS power and F-HIIT in remote data collection in older people to confirm results obtained from old practices for data acquisition.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

  • 1. Souza HLR, Bernardes BP, dos Prazeres EO, Arriel RA, Meireles A, Camilo GB, Mota GR, Marocolo M. Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst-can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences?. J Appl Physiol (1985). doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00196.2022. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Performance response to endurance training studies: a reminder

Arthur Henrique Bossi 1,2, Guilherme Matta 3

to the editor: Souza et al. (1) in their study outline several protocols for research to be conducted outside the laboratory. We would like to complement their Viewpoint by pointing out some methods for participants’ self-assessment of endurance performance. Given the applied nature of training studies, which are often featured in this Journal (2,3), it is curious that researchers sometimes choose not to directly assess the performance response to an endurance training intervention (2). This is at odds with evidence that physiological adaptations can be uncorrelated with performance changes (3). Although logistics, practicality, and participant burden may dictate methodological choices, self-assessment of endurance performance can be implemented with relative ease, provided that instructions are followed. Cycling-based time trials and critical power testing can be performed at home or outdoors, with the help of smart trainers or power meters (4,5). Running-based time trials and critical speed testing can be completed on athletics tracks or treadmills, using just a stopwatch (5). Conceivably, self-assessed performances may not be as valid as their laboratory-based equivalents, particularly in the case of nonathletes, due to a lack of motivation and/or experience to perform maximally. However, preliminary data suggest that performance reliability is not compromised in the case of recreationally trained cyclists (4), underlining the usefulness of a home-based approach. Whether endurance training studies are conducted entirely in the laboratory, remotely, or using a hybrid format, is up to research teams to decide. Regardless, such studies will always benefit from a performance test to demonstrate the impact of observed physiological adaptations.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

  • 1. Souza HLR, Bernardes BP, Dos Prazeres EO, Arriel RA, Meireles A, Camilo GB, Mota GR, Marocolo M. Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst – can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences? J Appl Physiol (1985). doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00196.2022. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Commentary on Viewpoint: Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst: can we perform remote data collection in sports sciences?

Géssyca Tolomeu de Oliveira 1,2, Ferreira Renato Melo 2, Everton Rocha Soares 3, Bruno Ocelli Ungheri 4

to the editor: We partially agree with the point of view of Souza et al. (1). Some factors related to online collection are considered positive, such as the reduction of the costs of commuting volunteers and, consequently, the agility to collect the data. However, other points make it impossible to conduct research with a remote design, such as studies that require specific structures, e.g., swimming pools (2), or validated equipment that requires its sensors to be positioned in the body precisely and calibrated (3). In addition, the pandemic context, such as that of COVID-19, negatively impacted the adherence to online research, requiring caution in interpreting the results (4), since the level of social restriction imposed can bring important impacts on sports routine (5). We understand that, given technological advances and a possible new scenario of social isolation, the appropriate option is the development of studies that use different designs and strategies for data collection, to obtain data with adequate robustness, considering, however, the clinical data that emerge in the face of pandemic contexts. Finally, although the technological advance has been significant, there is still a gap in access, both for researchers and volunteers, that impairs adherence to robust remote designs.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

  • 1. Souza HLR, Bernardes BP, dos Prazeres EO, Arriel RA, Meireles A, Camilo GB, Mota GR, Marocolo M. Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst – can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences? J Appl Physiol (1985). doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00196.2022. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst: can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences?: Yes, we can! And technology is here to help…

Matheus Daros Pinto 1, James L Nuzzo 1

to the editor: Souza et al. (1) in their study raised concerns regarding remote data acquisition in sport science. Recent advances in resistance exercise (RE) technology have the potential to alleviate some of their concerns. Connected adaptive RE (CARE) machines integrate software and hardware to provide digital resistances that adjust to a subject’s force-generating capacity in real time [i.e., within and between repetitions (2)]. CARE machines are often designed for home use; thus, they can facilitate remote data collection and telehealth RE prescriptions. Their adaptive digital resistance permits submaximal and maximal concentric and eccentric loads (eccentric overload and maximal strength assessment) and can induce substantial fatigue (if desired) due to automatic “drop setting” (2). Thus, time-efficient workouts aligned with “minimum effective training dose” (3) can be achieved. Some CARE machines can also deliver eccentric-only RE that can be prescribed to patients who might require RE with less metabolic cost and perceived effort (4). CARE machines are controlled by software (e.g., applications) that contain instructional videos and permit personalized RE programs with multi- and single-joint exercises. They may be integrated with supervision via videoconferencing platforms. Strength data are recorded instantly and can be shared with researchers and clinicians to monitor adherence and progression. Concerns about data robustness may be alleviated with questionnaires (e.g., effort, readiness), video recordings of exercise techniques, and strength variability across testing and training sessions. Assuming CARE technology continues to advance, it can facilitate the remote assessment of muscle strength and prescription of RE on a large scale for both telehealth research and clinical practice.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

  • 1. Souza HLR, Bernardes BP, Dos Prazeres EO, Arriel RA, Meireles A, Camilo GB, Mota GR, Marocolo M. Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst - can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences?. J Appl Physiol (1985). doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00196.2022. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Not just a pandemic possibility: the push toward remote data collection can complement existing big data sets in sport science

Christopher Latella 1,2, Daniel van den Hoek 3, Alistair Mallard 4, Jemima Spathis 3

to the editor: Souza et al. (1) in their study highlight opportunities for sports science research in a pandemic-conscious world. Indeed, remote data collection also shows promise in “normal” times to advance health/performance evidence in large athletic cohorts. Our own retrospective studies reported strength adaptations in n = ∼1,900 powerlifting athletes over a 15-yr period (2,3). Strict competition criteria and existing public reports of competition outcomes have enabled longitudinal assessment of strength adaptations. However, additional prospective remote data collection can offer the strong complementary potential to such studies.

Certainly, a similar concept is demonstrated by Steele et al. (4), where strength assessment was coupled with remote training records logged digitally (via tablet) and uploaded to a server (n = 14,690). All individuals performed similar strength training for ≤6.8 yr. Using current technologies, similar prospective approaches could be adopted into high-performance sport. For example, remote training data logs and central storage from a subset of powerlifters would provide unparalleled information underpinning rates of strength adaptation, and clusters of training program variables that most impact strength gain. Such information would be difficult to obtain at scale using traditional data collection methods. To our knowledge, the only attempts to collate performance and training information in powerlifters have been through online questionnaires (n = 117) (5). Furthermore, other possible health metrics suggested by Souza et al. (1)—range of motion, gait, and blood pressure—could inform relationships between muscle strength and other important health measures longitudinally. This possibility is substantiated as strength-based sports such as powerlifting have no competition upper-age limit.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

  • 1. Souza HLR, Bernardes BP, dos Prazeres EO, Arriel RA, Meireles A, Camilo GB, Mota GR, Marocolo M. Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst – can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences? J Appl Physiol (1985). doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00196.2022. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 2. Latella C, Owen PJ, Davies T, Spathis J, Mallard A, van den Hoek D. Long-term adaptations in the squat, bench press, and deadlift: assessing strength gain in powerlifting athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 54: 841–850, 2022. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002858. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Commentary on Viewpoint: Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst: can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences?

Justin A DeBlauw 1, Stephen J Ives 1

to the editor: The Viewpoint written by Souza et al. (1) brought up an interesting conversation in applied physiology. Although the point of careful experimental control afforded in the laboratory is not to be discounted, as it is in fact important, what is oft missing from such work is the translational aspect—whether it works in the real world. The concept of ecological validity, or how laboratory-based assessments may, or may not, relate to real-world performance, is so critical but often assumed. We recently tested this convergence by asking cyclists to remotely complete six 40-km time trials, using their personal equipment, while tracking training load, heart rate variability, nutrition, and psychological makers (2). In addition, we used remote data collection to track competitive youth rowers’ response to long-haul travel (3) and from an applied perspective, their pretraining heart rate variability across a season (4). We find that it is essential to determine outcomes that 1) subjects can obtain without assistance from researchers, 2) subjects are familiar with, 3) can be obtained with equipment already possessed by the subjects or can easily be provided, and 4) are meaningful. Indeed, recently, we conducted a resistance training intervention study, entirely remotely, using Zoom or Google Meets to conduct individual or group exercise training sessions (5). The equipment used for pre-post testing was dropped off at participants homes, but easily could have been mailed. A key benefit of these kinds of remote data collection is likely enhanced inclusivity among socioeconomic or geographic lines.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

  • 1. Souza HLR, Bernardes BP, dos Prazeres EO, Arriel RA, Meireles A, Camilo GB, Mota GR, Marocolo M. Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst - can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences? J Appl Physiol (1985). doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00196.2022. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Commentary on Viewpoint: Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst: can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences?

Nicholas Ravanelli 1

to the editor: Souza et al. (1) in their study provide suggestions for how researchers can reinvent study designs to more comprehensively support remote data collection. Although some of the devices (e.g., activity trackers) and testing protocols (e.g., step test) proposed by Souza et al. (1) have existed for more than a decade, the global pandemic accelerated discussions and adoption of remote data collection strategies within the sports science community. Although barriers to participation for this new methodological approach may include technological literacy, access to devices and/or infrastructure, and participant safety, supporting advancements in remote data collection protocols could provide new opportunities to evaluate the ecological validity of tightly controlled laboratory observations.

Importantly, researchers exploring ways to conduct remote data collection with internet-connected solutions must recognize the ethical responsibilities of data governance (2). Although advancements in wearable devices and mobile applications facilitate remote data acquisition, current options often require data synchronization with commercial applications, which use their own terms and service that an individual may be asked to accept in order to participate. These applications may collect additional data that are unrelated to the original research question, or share participant-generated data to a third party (2,3). Resources such as the Digital Health Checklist for Researchers developed by Nebeker et al. (4) can help guide researchers in selecting appropriate digital tools and protecting participant data. Alternatively, researchers may consider creating custom data acquisition applications or procedures to maintain internal data governance, emulating the traditional “offline” laboratory data collection model.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

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J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Remote data collection in altitude research settings: an opportunity to “elevate” both science and practice

Benjamin J Narang 1,2, Tadej Debevec 1,2

to the editor: Souza et al. (1) in their study have written a timely Viewpoint about remote data collection in sport science. We concur that learning from procedures used during the COVID-19 pandemic, and identifying potential future role(s) for remote data acquisition within sport and physiology research, is indeed warranted.

In our opinion, one particularly interesting and valuable avenue for continued remote data collection lies within altitude research settings. Not only is terrestrial altitude a challenging environment to fashion a research laboratory and effectively conduct experiments, but it also represents a unique physiological stressor worthy of scientific investigation (2). Altitude exposure can provoke numerous pathophysiological conditions ranging from mild acute mountain sickness to potentially fatal edemas (3). The incidence of these remains relatively unpredictable despite some high-quality studies identifying potential risk factors (4). Given the inherent association between altitude acclimatization patterns and (patho)physiological outcomes, we propose the following two remote data collection processes that could prove highly pertinent to this field: 1) the use of wearable sensors to record real-time cardiorespiratory acclimatization-related data including oxygen saturation, heart rate, heart rate variability, and metrics of ventilatory pattern; and 2) the development of a novel smartphone application allowing a large (worldwide) sample of users to complete the Lake Louise questionnaire (5) and thus screen for pathophysiological risk and incidence of acute mountain sickness in relation to individual altitude ascent profiles.

Not only would these suggestions help to further scientific research in high-altitude physiology, but they would also have obvious implications for health maintenance and altitude-related pathophysiology prevention.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

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J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Commentary on Viewpoint: Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst: can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences?

Liliana C Baptista 1,2,3, Ana Isabel Padrão 1,2, José Oliveira 1,2, Jorge Mota 1,2, Rodrigo Zacca 1,2

to the editor: We agree with Souza et al. (1) about the importance of remote data collection in sport sciences, not only advisable during the outbreak of another zoonotic pandemic, but probably and most importantly, on how we will broadly perform and advance sport sciences in different settings (i.e., clinical, research and training) in the future. In specific contexts (e.g., social isolation, pathological conditions, environment specificities, and protocol requirements), remote exercise and sport data collection can provide more contextualized and generalizable results. This technological achievement benefits from the participant’s remote “real-life” environment, without jeopardizing the internal and external construct validity. Considering exercise cardiac rehabilitation, where the enrollment and adherence numbers are below optimal, remote interventions have shown larger retention rates than face-to-face interventions (2). Furthermore, the use of wearables for electrocardiographic continuous monitoring and data acquisition (3) facilitated the screening of cardiac events in a training context. Likewise, microneedle-based array sensors for continuous monitoring of interstitial fluid are the future of biomarkers monitoring wearables (4). Despite remote self-assessment being challenging (1) due to connectivity and participants’ adherence, compelling evidence seems to support that remote digital data collection technologies provide reliable and valid results (5). Increasing evidence suggests that with the correct remote instructions, we may decrease some of the potential “remote” drawbacks while reducing geographic health disparities in disadvantaged social context populations (e.g., rural areas), diminishing researcher/participant face-to-face interaction while enhancing participants health outcomes and remote data collection reliability and storage. Remote data collection is challenging but is also a window of opportunity.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

  • 1. Souza HLR, Bernardes BP, Dos Prazeres EO, Arriel RA, Meireles A, Camilo GB, Mota GR, Marocolo M. Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst – can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences? J Appl Physiol (1985). doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00196.2022. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Nothing compares to you (sport scientist)

Pantelis T Nikolaidis 1

to the editor: First, I wish to congratulate the authors for their initiative to trigger public discussion on this up-to-date topic (1). About the first question (remote data collection), if the purpose of the measurement is monitoring physical activity in a large sample of athletes (e.g., step count using a smartwatch), self-measurement is fine, but if it is about the assessment of maximal oxygen uptake in endurance athletes, a specialized sport scientist is needed to administer it (2). For the second question (direct contact between researcher and athletes), the necessity for valid and reliable assessment methods should not be underestimated even in phenomenally simple measures such as those of height and weight (standardized procedures—about clothing and posture, but also about less obvious aspects such as respiration—should be closely controlled by a sport scientist). Even in the case of indirect and submaximal methods (e.g., 10RM), the existence of a sport scientist next to an athlete is necessary to apply the testing protocol for security and accuracy (3). Considering the third question (robustness of the measurements), although the advancements in telemedicine and telerehabilitation are largely acknowledged, their use in athletes is questionable, considering the need for high sensitivity of measurements to track training-induced adaptations (4,5). For the last question (future directions), there is no doubt about the importance of new technologies for data acquisition. But in the era of the widespread use of smartphones, smartwatches, smart coaches, etc., the face-to-face role of a sport scientist is irreplaceable everywhere a sport activity occurs.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the author.

REFERENCES

  • 1. Souza HLR, Bernardes BP, dos Prazeres EO, Arriel RA, Meireles A, Camilo GB, Mota GR, Marocolo M. Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst – can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences? J Appl Physiol (1985). doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00196.2022. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Lessons learned on remote data collection from exercise training in neuromuscular disease

Donovan J Lott 1, Sean C Forbes 1, Korey Cooke 2, Tanja Taivassalo 3

to the editor: Our response to the question posed by Souza et al. (1) is a resounding yes, based on our successful implementation of remote data collection in sport science research related to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a debilitating neuromuscular disease with progressive muscle degeneration. Exercise in DMD is controversial due to the fragility of muscle tissue; thus having supervision for appropriately designed exercise interventions is critical. For rare diseases such as DMD, patients may not have access to someone with expertise to prescribe exercise. To circumvent this, we used live online video monitoring to oversee home-based isometric strength training in boys with DMD, and collected data (knee extension/flexion torques and ratings of perceived exertion) every session to assess its safety and efficacy (2). Strategies to standardize procedures and ensure adherence included:

  1. providing detailed, clear instructions for participants (manuals with pictures/videos) and real-time review before the first remote session;

  2. ensuring participant has appropriate internet access, equipment, and knowledge to set up at home; and

  3. establishing a rapport (best facilitated with an in-person baseline visit) to promote compliance, understand the best ways to motivate, and ensure participants can do the exercise/activity appropriately and safely.

Using this approach, we found high patient compliance and improved leg strength/function, confirming the feasibility and efficacy of this remote research design. In another home-based clinical trial (NCT04322357), we are remotely collecting cycling torques and heart rates to advance aerobic training in DMD. Therefore, our experiences support the importance of remote data collection in exercise research for children and adults, even in those with physical or cognitive limitations.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

  • 1. Souza HLR, Bernardes BP, dos Prazeres EO, Arriel RA, Meireles A, Camilo GB, Mota GR, Marocolo M. Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst – can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences? J Appl Physiol (1985). doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00196.2022. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 2. Lott DJ, Taivassalo T, Cooke KD, Park H, Moslemi Z, Batra A, Forbes SC, Byrne BJ, Walter GA, Vandenborne K. Safety, feasibility, and efficacy of strengthening exercise in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 63: 320–326, 2021. 10.1002/mus.27137. doi: 10.1002/mus.27137. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Let’s move forward by being prepared

Steven J Elmer 1,2, John J Durocher 3,4

to the editor: Souza et al. (1) in their study reflect on the research-related challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and alternative approaches for data collection. We appreciate the authors’ Viewpoint as we (2) raised similar concerns earlier during the pandemic and presented tactics for moving student-focused research projects forward. As scientists, we are trained to deal with the unexpected, the element of surprise, and often explain why our data did not support our hypotheses. In addition, most research grant proposals require a section that identifies “unanticipated challenges” that could arise and “alternative solutions” for circumventing such challenges. Thus, planning ahead, confronting challenges, and persevering are part of the normal scientific process. As alluded to by the authors, we need to leverage the major lessons learned from the current pandemic to be even more prepared for how to conduct human subject research and acquire data during future COVID-19 case surges and/or pandemics. Accordingly, we encourage researchers, applied sport scientists, clinicians, and institutional review boards to work collaboratively to 1) consider hybrid models for data collection, 2) ensure that robust contingency plans are put in place in case conditions unexpectedly change, and 3) refine and improve current remote options for data collection to ensure that they produce reliable and valid data. Taken together, these strategies will help us continue to move research forward when encountering unexpected circumstances.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

  • 1. Souza HLR, Bernardes BP, dos Prazeres Eo, Arriel Ra, Meireles A, Camilo Gb, Mota Gr, Marocolo M. Viewpoint: Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst - can we perform remote data 1 collection in sport sciences? J Appl Physiol (1985). doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00196.2022. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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J Appl Physiol (1985). 2022 Dec 1;133(6):1433–1440.

Commentary on Viewpoint: Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst: can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences?

Ricardo J Fernandes 1,2, Gonçalo Silva 1,2, Mário J Costa 1,2

to the editor: We have been living through difficult times, with lockdown and isolation significantly affecting our professional and personal lives. We corroborate that volunteers’ recruitment, data collection and grant applications have been largely affected by the pandemic (1), delaying research-related projects. Trying to overcome those setbacks, researchers used database consulting (2) and telematic procedures implementing home interventions and remote monitoring. However, in our expertise area (the biophysics of individual cycling sports), we were not able to change the traditional experimental procedures to collect physiological (e.g., direct oximetry for assessing oxygen uptake and collecting capillary blood for determining lactate concentrations) and biomechanical variables (using kinematics for evaluating motion properties or kinetics for measuring external forces and electromyography for analyzing muscular responses). Even if we find it relevant to spread these methodologies in a teaching-learning context (3), we believe that the face-to-face data collection still seems to be fundamental for a more accurate contact between researchers, technicians, coaches, and participants. We prefer using protocols until volitional exhaustion, rather than using submaximal tests, because many sports depend on a significant anaerobic energy deliverance (4) and the participant biophysical profile would be left incomplete if that information is not taken into consideration. Nevertheless, we agree that sport sciences-related protocols should gradually evolve (e.g., for diminishing the volunteer’s frequent visits to the laboratory), the reason why we are transferring the laboratory procedures to the training and competing settings (5). Thus, testing at the field and sharing real-time data would be a must in the future.

DISCLOSURES

No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, are declared by the authors.

REFERENCES

  • 1. Souza HLR, Bernardes BP, dos Prazeres EO, Arriel RA, Meireles A, Camilo GB, Mota GR, Marocolo M. Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst – can we perform remote data collection in sport sciences? J Appl Physiol (1985). doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00196.2022. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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Articles from Journal of Applied Physiology are provided here courtesy of American Physiological Society

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