Some posts are re-posts (written before 2016) of old articles
Pseudo-quackery in Chronic Pain Care
painscience.com | by Paul Ingraham
Not all quackery is obvious — not even to skeptics. Subtler snake oil is actually a more serious problem in musculoskeletal health care, because it’s harder to spot and much more common, even mainstream. Such “mild” quackery probably generates just as much false hope and wasted time, energy, money — and even harm.
The Truth About Ketogenic Dieting
georgiefear.com | by Georgie Fear
Ketogenic dieting, or keto for short, is one of the latest diet trends. Keto evangelists proselytize that slashing carbohydrates and heaping your plate with lots of fat is the answer. And that it's the ONLY answer. It's the only way to save yourself from the horrors of rising and falling blood glucose, and insulin, that vile peptide which leads nowhere but to a living hell of obesity and diabetes.
Dry Needling
sciencebasedmedicine.org | by Mark Crislip
Dry needling has nothing to do with chi and meridians and acupoints and the rest of the fantastical underpinnings of traditional Chinese pseudo-medicine with its tongue and pulse diagnosis. Since dry needling isn't acupuncture, what is it an how does it work?
Products that promise “detox” are a sham. Yes, all of them....
vox.com | by Julia Belluz and Christophe Haubursin
Detox products sell an incredibly alluring idea. Have a few indulgent days over Thanksgiving? Just use a tea, drink a juice, take a supplement and look as fresh as Gwyneth Paltrow — no exercise or surgery required. The truth is unless you’re a heroin addict or you’re at risk of alcohol poisoning, you probably don’t need a “detox.” Here’s why.
Plausibility in Science-Based Medicine
sciencebasedmedicine.org | by Steven Novella
A question that arises often when discussing the optimal role of science in medicine is the precise role of plausibility, or prior probability. This is, in fact, the central concept that separates (for practical if not philosophical reasons) science-based medicine (SBM) from evidence-based medicine (EBM).
Five myths about chronic pain: Why it is not all in the head
abc.net.au | by Dr Tasha Stanton
We have all experienced pain. Think of the last time you stubbed your toe, got a paper cut, or burned yourself on the oven. It is certainly not fun, but it usually goes away quite quickly. Imagine though, what it would be like to have pain that does not go away and is there every single day — that is chronic pain.
The Clean Eating Delusion
sciencebasedmedicine.org | by Steven Novella
While some parts of the world are concerned with eating, because of food insecurity, the “worried and well-fed” are increasingly obsessed with so-called “clean eating.”
This is nothing new, but like every cultural phenomenon, it seems, has increased partly due to the easy spread of misinformation over the internet. If you are anxious about your health, and who isn’t to some degree, your anxiety is fed by a steady diet of pseudo-experts, con-artists, and internet personalities telling you about all the things you eat that adversely affect your health.
How blogging about physiotherapy research can get you fired
haraldursig.wordpress.com | by Haraldur Sig
A dinosaur in physiotherapy is someone who is stuck in the past, and refuses to update his/her views with new evidence unless it feeds their confirmation bias. And, naturally, the dinosaurs are pissed.
Eight slogans that quacks love to use: if you hear these, find a proper doctor
health.spectator.co.uk | by Edzard Ernst
In the first of this two-part article, I discussed six popular tricks of the quackery trade. Some readers pointed out that these ploys are not exclusively used in alternative medicine. I agree. Quacks are everywhere, and unfortunately conventional medicine has its fair share of charlatans as well. Yet I would nevertheless suggest that the ploys mentioned in part one and the eight discussed below are more often used in alternative than in mainstream medicine.
The NAF Physio Podcast Episode 10: Talking Posture, Pain, Stretching, and Mooses
ptpodcast.com | by Greg Lehman
In this episode we finally find out which side of the physio/chiropractic fence Greg sits on, and who he thinks would win a fight between a physio and a chiro. We talk about the role of posture and pain, stretching effects on tendon and muscle tissue, and how education and biomechanics fit in with pain science.
High-carb, high satiety?
examine.com
Overeating can be a much more complex phenomenon than you’d think. Figure 1 shows an extremely simplified framework of food intake regulation. Each category listed comprises many, many variables. Fiber content, palatability, convenience, and even eating with friends can all alter our food consumption.
The world of Gary Taubes
sciencehouse.wordpress.com | by Carson Chow
Taubes is probably best known for his views on nutrition and as an advocate for low carb diets although he has two earlier books on the sociology of physics. The main premise running through his four books is that science is susceptible to capture by the vanity, ambition, arrogance, and plain stupidity of scientists. He is pro-science but anti-scientist.
What is a P Value?
exercisebiology.com | by Anoop T. Balachandran
P value is the most important value in research, yet most people don’t seem to understand the concept. In this article, I am taking an intuitive approach using a weight loss example to explain the concept of p-value. Of course, I have omitted the details and technical terms to focus on the big picture.
The Trouble with Chairs
painscience.com | by Paul Ingraham
This article is of interest for people with minor low back pain who could use some tips on how to cope with spending too much time in chairs.
The “It Worked for Me” Gambit
sciencebasedmedicine.org | by Steven Novella
It is almost inevitable that whenever we post an article critical of the claims being made for a particular treatment, alternative philosophy, or alternative profession, someone in the comments will counter a careful examination of published scientific evidence with an anecdote. Their arguments boils down to, “It worked for me, so all of your scientific evidence and plausibility is irrelevant.”
Both components of this argument are invalid.
The trigger point strikes … out!
bodyinmind.org | by John Quintner
John Quintner and colleagues recently published a controversial review in Rheumatology. We asked him to present their position in blog form. I expect it to stir some intriguing emotions in many of you and we welcome comments and alternative perspectives. In anticipation, and with tongue almost completely in cheek – remember to avoid the ad hominem mistake and the straw man mistake.
You Are Not So Smart Episode 66 - Bullshit
soundcloud.com | by Gordon Pennycook
How strong is your bullshit detector? And what exactly IS the scientific definition of bullshit?
In this episode we explore what makes a person susceptible to bullshit, how to identify and defend against it, and what kind of people are the most and least likely to be bowled over by bullshit artists and other merchants of pseudo-profound, feel-good woo.
You Are Not So Smart Episode 65 - Survivorship Bias
soundcloud.com
The problem with sorting out failures and successes is that failures are often muted, destroyed, or somehow removed from sight while successes are left behind, weighting your decisions and perceptions, tilting your view of the world.
That means to be successful you must learn how to seek out what is missing. You must learn what not to do. Unfortunately, survivorship bias stands between you and the epiphanies you seek.
Poking Holes in the Evidence for Acupuncture
physiologicalpt.com | by Kenneth Venere and Kyle Ridgeway
Throughout this entire discourse on acupuncture and needling for painful problems, Dunning et al have shown an inability or unwillingness to address central points in our argument against the effectiveness of acupuncture and needling. In addition to arriving at vastly different conclusions regarding the current trial data, Dunning and colleagues have routinely shifted the focus of the debate and presented arguments that do not relate directly to the primary issue of acupuncture’s benefits. Further, Dunning et al have consistently demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding regarding the philosophy and implementation of evidence based practice. Their present reply is no different as they commit several critical errors in their conceptualization of evidence based practice.
Pain lectures with Pain Expert like Moseley, Stanton, Butler, O’Sullivan, Nijs, O´Connell, Zusman, Lehman, Reme, Thacker, Louw and Dr. Kieran O’Sullivan
smertespecialisterne.dk | by Lars Avemarie
Below you can find great videos which all contain the latest knowledge about pain from experts in modern pain science. We’ve even selected the best videos – So you don’t need the hassle yourself to find them. Here are totally over 16 hours of lectures.
How Sleep Deprivation Decays the Mind and Body
theatlantic.com | by Seth Maxon
Getting too little sleep can have serious health consequences, including depression, weight gain, and heart disease. It is torture. I know.
A Study of Pain Science with Dr. Jo Nijs, PhD
smertespecialisterne.dk | by Lars Avemarie
I have for a couple of years now, been viewing lecture and reading articles and scientific papers by physiotherapists Jo Nijs, PhD. Some of these quotes are from articles, lectures and some are from scientific papers. Dr. Jo Nijs, PhD is one of the lesser known pain experts, but in my opinion he deserves much more attention, for the great work and the research that he produces.
Dr. Nijs holds a PhD in rehabilitation science and physiotherapy and also has a master of science in physiotherapy and rehabilitations sciences as well as in manual therapy.
Knowledge Bombs for a Successful Clinical Career
drjarodhalldpt.blogspot.se | by Jarod Hall
In the blogging world, us evidence informed PT writers have a tendency to sit behind our keyboards and pick apart topics we find to be problematic, sensationalist, dogmatic, and unscientific. As the end of the year nears and I look back at the progression of my writing platform, I find myself guilty of doing quite a lot of deconstructing without giving enough reconstruction. It’s a lot easier to tear down than to offer solid alternatives. This can often leave clinicians, especially those young in their careers without the experience to have developed a strong clinical process and sensitive BS meter, in a scary position of not knowing what to trust or where to look for education and mentorship.
With this in mind I decided to reach out to as many of the top clinicians and critical thinkers in the rehab world I could to get their best advice for clinical practice.
Does Spinal Manipulation Work?
painscience.com | by Paul Ingraham
Can your spine be “out”? Can it be “adjusted”? Adjusting the spine (spinal manipulative therapy, or SMT) is complex and controversial, largely based on the chiropractic concept of a joint “subluxation.” SMT for the back probably has modest benefits and tolerable risks, while SMT for necks involves less benefit … and the rare but real risks of paralysis and death! Nearly all medical science experts and many chiropractors reject the century-old chiropractic belief that SMT can prevent or cure diseases. This article covers these topics thoroughly — it is one the most detailed online guides that I know of. I particularly discuss the pros and cons of SMT as it relates to the treatment of neck pain, back pain, headaches, and muscle pain.
9 tendinopathy truths that you MUST know
trustmephysiotherapy.com | by Peter Malliaras
There is a lot we do not know about tendinopathy, but there are some inalienable truths that you should know as a clinician and patient. (the references below provide proof).
Why Most People Are Wrong About Injuries and Pain
simplifaster.com | by Lars Avemarie
Recent research has shown us that you actually can have pain in the body without anything being wrong in the area of that pain. You can also have “damage” and so called degenerative changes in the body without any pain.
New evidence gives supporters of chiropractic a headache
theconversation.com | by Michael Vagg
A paper was published and much discussed online recently, which demonstrates all the problems that I - and other critics - have with the way research is done and interpreted in the world of chiropractic. The study looked at the effect of chiropractic neck manipulation on people who have migraines.
The trial was a three-armed study comparing chiropractic spinal manipulation (CMST) with a sham manual therapy and a group who continued with their usual care.
Posture not the pain in the neck as previously thought
news.curtin.edu.au | by Karen Richards
Curtin University researchers have examined the link between neck posture and neck pain in adolescents, with their findings challenging widely held beliefs about the role posture plays in neck pain and headaches.
Why Do People Favor Opinion Over Scientific Evidence?
scientificamerican.com | by Keith E. Stanovich
Decades of research have shown that humans are so-called cognitive misers. When we approach a problem, our natural default is to tap the least tiring cognitive process. Typically this is what psychologists call type 1 thinking, famously described by Nobel Prize–winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman as automatic, intuitive processes that are not very strenuous.
Why Sleep Matters — The Economic Costs of Insufficient Sleep
rand.org | by Marco Hafner, Martin Stepanek, Jirka Taylor, Wendy M. Troxel, Christian van Van Stolk
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has declared insufficient sleep a 'public health problem'. Indeed, according to a recent CDC study, more than a third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.
75% of Persons in the General Population Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Don’t Have It, But It Is Worse Than That…
fmperplex.com | by Frederick Wolfe and Brian Walitt
In studies of fibromyalgia in 2015 and 2016, we applied fibromyalgia criteria to the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the principle source of information on the health of the civilian US population, and observed that 75% of persons in the US population reporting a physician diagnosis of fibromyalgia did not satisfy fibromyalgia criteria. Persons with a fibromyalgia diagnosis who did not report symptoms specific and severe enough to satisfy diagnostic criteria constitute 1.3% of the US population.
“Movement quality” still does not clearly predict injury
painscience.com | by Paul Ingraham
Fresh science! New review of 17 “mostly low quality” studies of the relationship between leg injuries and movement quality shows “inconsistent evidence.” In other words, we have no idea if we can tell who’s going to get leghurt based on screening people for quality-of-movement trouble, e.g. Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS).
The Problem With Satisfied Patients
theatlantic.com | by Alexandra Robbins
When Department of Health and Human Services administrators decided to base 30 percent of hospitals’ Medicare reimbursement on patient satisfaction survey scores, they likely figured that transparency and accountability would improve healthcare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) officials wrote, rather reasonably, “Delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care requires us to carefully consider the patient’s experience in the hospital inpatient setting.” They probably had no idea that their methods could end up indirectly harming patients.
Three Reasons It Matters Why A Treatment Works
bettermovement.org | by Todd Hargrove
Why exactly does someone feel better after massage? Or acupuncture? Or foam rolling? Or a chiropractic adjustment, or wearing K-tape, or doing mobility drills, or a hamstring stretch?
How to Check the Quality of a Research Article
exercisebiology.com | by Anoop T. Balachandran
This is one of the most important aspects of a research study, yet the most overlooked or ignored by researchers and readers. If you read studies or believe in science, keep reading.
Science-based Theatrics in Physical Therapy
modernpaincare.com | by Mark Kargela
Placebo and non-specific effects of physical therapy intervention have been popular topics in the recently in physical therapy discussions and research(1-3). Due to this clinicians now are realizing that a positive outcome is much more than the specific biomechanics or mechanical effects of the intervention being delivered.
We’ve long blamed carbs for making us fat. What if that's wrong?
vox.com | by Julia Belluz
It’s one of the most hotly contested areas of dieting: How much do carbohydrates matter when it comes to weight loss?
No, It’s Not Your Opinion. You’re Just Wrong
houstonpress.com | by Jef Rouner
I spend far more time arguing on the Internet than can possibly be healthy, and the word I’ve come to loath more than any other is “opinion”. Opinion, or worse “belief”, has become the shield of every poorly-conceived notion that worms its way onto social media.
The Rollercoaster of Professional Life
noinotes.wordpress.com | by David Butler
Forty years of practice beckons – what a rollercoaster! When I emerged proudly with my degree in the late 70s, all packed with Maitland style manual therapy, I was convinced I could fix all and sundry and I often opened a clinical conversation with “what can I fix today.”
Explainer: What is Pain?
bodyinmind.org | by Lorimer Moseley
‘So what is pain?’ It might seem like an easy question – as Henry James said of attention – ‘everyone knows what it is’. However, the answer depends on who you ask.
Visceral Manipulation…You Couldn’t Make It Up
edzardernst.com | by Edzard Ernst
Visceral Manipulation (VM) was developed by the French Osteopath and Physical Therapist Jean-Pierre Barral. According to uncounted Internet-sites, books and other promotional literature, VM is a miracle cure for just about every disease imaginable.
When science- and evidence-based guidelines conflict with patient wishes
sciencebasedmedicine.org | by David Gorski
There’s a misconception that I frequently hear about evidence-based medicine (EBM), which can equally apply to science-based medicine (SBM). Actually, there are several, but they are related. These misconceptions include the idea that EBM/SBM guidelines are a straightjacket, that they are “cookbook medicine,” and that EBM/SBM should be the be-all and end-all of how to practice clinical medicine.
Your Body is Not a Machine and I Am Not a Mechanic
physiologicalpt.com | by Chris Joyce
And if I could make the title longer: I do not treat with a “toolbox.” In fact, I’m nearly incompetent with anything more complex than a screwdriver and an Ikea desk, never mind the human body.
Our world is awash in bullshit health claims. These scientists want to train kids to spot them.
vox.com | by Julia Belluz
Over my years in health journalism, I’ve debunked many dubious claims. I’ve discussed how to cover quacks like Dr. Oz and the Food Babe, and how to navigate a medical world so filled with hooey it can make your head spin.
But I wasn’t always fluent in the ways of detecting bull. My eyes were opened in my early 20s, when I met a group of researchers at McMaster University in Canada. They taught me about the limitations of different kinds of evidence, why anecdotes are often wildly misleading, and what a well-designed study looks like. This experience changed how I see the world.
Cognitive bias cheat sheet - Because thinking is hard
betterhumans.coach.me | by Buster Benson
I’ve spent many years referencing Wikipedia’s list of cognitive biases whenever I have a hunch that a certain type of thinking is an official bias but I can’t recall the name or details. It’s been an invaluable reference for helping me identify the hidden flaws in my own thinking. Nothing else I’ve come across seems to be both as comprehensive and as succinct.</p
However, honestly, the Wikipedia page is a bit of a tangled mess.
Measles is more dangerous than we thought, and vaccines are as safe as we thought
scienceblogs.com | by David H. Gorski
As hard as it is to believe, it’s been nearly two years since the infamous Disneyland measles outbreak, which occurred after the holidays in 2014. It was an outbreak whose spread was facilitated by unvaccinated children and that had far-reaching implications.
Actually, Research Does Apply To Your Patients
physiologicalpt.com | by Kenny Venere
One of the arguments I see used as a way of quickly disregarding published evidence, particularly those with negative results, is the idea of internal validity coming at the expense of external validity — essentially that the trial is “too controlled”, not representative of the patients actually seen in the clinic and does not account for certain variables. This is absolutely true; there are plenty of issues with generalizability from research into practice. However, I am not convinced that this general argument is compelling enough to disregard the results of trials studying particular treatments.
In Defense of Evidence-Based Practice
physiologicalpt.com | by Kenny Venere
Lately it has appeared en vogue to criticize the evidence-based practice movement in physical therapy. While it can be argued that there are a lot of things wrong with evidence based practice, many of the prevalent criticisms on social media seem to stem from limitations in understanding of what evidence based practice is rather than actual shortcomings of evidence based practice itself.
10 Phrases to Teach a Parrot to Recite to Injured Runners
zerenpt.com | by Christopher Johnson
I’m strongly considering buying a parrot. Not only would a parrot be fun to have as a pet, but it would also prove invaluable in assisting me in helping runners seeking my physical therapy services. Considering that I often sound like a broken record when speaking to runners, I figured that it may be easier to train a parrot to recite several common phrases and mantras that I often use in the clinic. Ten key phrases that I would specifically teach the parrot, in no particular order, are as follows...
Explainer: What is a Null Hypothesis
theconversation.com | by Paco Garcia-Gonzalez
At the heart of the scientific method is the process of hypothesis testing. Given an observable phenomenon in the world, a scientist will construct a hypothesis which seeks to explain that phenomenon.
The way hypothesis testing works is by setting up two opposing hypotheses. One, the “null hypothesis”, is the reference or baseline hypothesis.
Placebo effects are weak: regression to the mean is the main reason ineffective treatments appear to work
dcscience.net | by David Colquhoun
The responses seen in the group of patients that are treated with placebo arise from two quite different processes. One is the genuine psychosomatic placebo effect. This effect gives genuine (though small) benefit to the patient. The other contribution comes from the get-better-anyway effect. This is a statistical artefact and it provides no benefit whatsoever to patients. There is now increasing evidence that the latter effect is much bigger than the former.
Science Isn’t Broken
fivethirtyeight.com | by Christie Aschwanden
If we’re going to rely on science as a means for reaching the truth — and it’s still the best tool we have — it’s important that we understand and respect just how difficult it is to get a rigorous result. I could pontificate about all the reasons why science is arduous, but instead I’m going to let you experience one of them for yourself. Welcome to the wild world of p-hacking.
What is Central Sensitization? A short video with Dr. Jo Nijs about central sensitization!
trustmephysiotherapy.com | by Jo Nijs
Jo Nijs wanted to make a short online lecture about central sensitization. He will answer these two questions: 1. What is central sensitization and what are the underlying mechanisms? 2. For treatment purposes, does it matter wheter a patient with chronic pain has central sensitization or not?
General Rules for Muscle Hypertrophy
drjarodhalldpt.blogspot.se
Last week I made a quick Facebook post that got quite a lot of attention. In fact, it got more attention than half of the posts I spend hours writing and editing, and it only took me about 58 seconds to write it between sets of deadlifts at the gym.
Doctors still order imaging for low back pain, against recommendations
foxnews.com
Many doctors who order CT or MRI scans for patients with low back pain do so fearing that patients will be upset if they do not get imaging and because there is too little time to explain the risks and benefits of the tests, a new study found.
'Overuse of diagnostic tests is a common problem in healthcare as a whole, and affects both the VA and private-sector settings,' said coauthor Dr. Erika D. Sears of the Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 'Low back pain is often highlighted because it is a common condition where overuse of imaging or treatments can consume a high level of resources.'
10 mistakes I have made using a movement based approach
cor-kinetic.com
Why should we all move the same given we have different anatomies and different movement experiences? It is madness, in my opinion, to expect that we would or should.
The problem with p-values
aeon.co | by David Colquhoun
The aim of science is to establish facts, as accurately as possible. It is therefore crucially important to determine whether an observed phenomenon is real, or whether it’s the result of pure chance. If you declare that you’ve discovered something when in fact it’s just random, that’s called a false discovery or a false positive. And false positives are alarmingly common in some areas of medical science.
Research: We Drop People Who Give Us Critical Feedback
hbr.org | by Francesca Gino
Think about the people at work who are part of your network — the individuals who help you improve your performance or provide you with emotional support when you are going through a tough spell. If you’re like most people, the colleagues who come to mind are those you get along with and who have a good impression of you. But has anyone in your network actually given you tough feedback?
Top 10 Arguments Against Science-Based Training and Nutrition
shreddedbyscience.com | by Nick Tumminello
When you promote taking a more science-based approach to training (and nutrition), you’re sure to meet a host of common arguments against science. In this article, I’m providing my direct responses to the ten most common arguments against science I see used by personal trainers, strength coaches, rehabilitation specialists, and nutrition professionals alike.
A Beginner’s Guide to Eating for Weight Loss
trainerize.com
Gaining a large amount of fat can take years, so it should come as no surprise if losing it isn’t a quick process. Leaning out requires long-term changes in lifestyle, from stress management to exercising to eating properly. But what is eating properly? To this multi-headed question, we need to bring more than one answer.
Pain in Runners: Why Do I hurt?
running-physio.com | by Derek Griffin
Injury and pain among runners are common across all levels of experience and competition. The causes of most pain and injury in running are believed to be many but physical factors related to training loads, flexibility/muscle balance and biomechanics are among those most commonly cited. The majority of the research that has examined running-related injuries has focused on one or a combination of these factors.
Fasted Cardio and Fat Loss: Take Home Points
lookgreatnaked.com | by Brad Schoenfeld
While the theory that fasted cardio is superior for fat loss is certainly intriguing, it is based on an extrapolation of findings that might not translate into practice. Several years ago I authored a review of literature that discussed the contradictions of the research on the topic. While my review highlighted a number of inconsistencies that suggested fasted cardio might not work as claimed, one little issue continued to nag at me: The entire debate was based on acute data; no study had actually investigated the effects of fasted cardio on body fat when subjects were in an energy-deficit sufficient to produce weight loss.
Until now…
A ‘Memory Hacker’ Explains How to Plant False Memories in People’s Minds
motherboard.vice.com | by Kate Lunau
We tend to think of memories as perfect little time capsules—important records of past events that matter to us and made us who we are, as unchangeable as a dragonfly stuck in amber. Well, they’re anything but. I recently met with Julia Shaw, a criminal psychologist who specializes in the science of memory. “I am a memory hacker,” Shaw told me. “I use the science of memory to make you think you did things that never happened.”
Implanting a false memory, it turns out, is alarmingly easy to do.
The Truth About Hormones In Milk
sciencedrivennutrition.com | by Morten Elsoe
Do you fear hormones in milk? Then you’re not alone. Like many other foods, dairy products have been the victim of pseudoscientific fear mongering – specifically focusing on the hormonal content in milk, and its proposed propensity to give you cancer. But how much truth is there to these frightening claims? Here are six truths about hormones in milk, that should calm you down.
Movement Culture - a force for good?
yuenjon.com | by Jon Yuen
Mainstream media (acquire fame = become happy), fitness profiles (gain muscle mass = gain confidence), politicians (vote for me = freedom) and multi-million dollar corporations all have the capacity to make us act in pretty unreasonable ways to get the results they´re promoting.
Do no harm! Do nothing!
thesportsphysio.wordpress.com | by Adam Meakins
The desire to help others is very strong in many therapists; that’s usually why they are therapists. But sometimes this desire to help and do something may actually be to the detriment of those they are trying to help, and without realising it therapists may be doing more harm than good for many of their patients.
Light-Load Training: Can It Build Muscle?
lookgreatnaked.com | by Brad Schoenfeld
It is often stated that heavy loads (>65% 1RM) are required to promote muscular adaptations; light loads are generally considered ineffective for enhancing these outcomes. Recently, this belief has been challenged by several researchers. It has been proposed that as long as training is carried out to muscular failure, light load training will recruit the full spectrum of motor units (and thus muscle fibers), allowing for gains similar to that of using heavy loads.
Deep versus shallow models of manual therapy
humanantigravitysuit.blogspot.se | by Diane Jacobs
A long time ago, shortly after I moved online and joined discussion groups (way back in 2001), I encountered Barrett Dorko, who was the first PT I had ever met who differentiated between what he called deep models of manual therapy versus shallow models. It made sense to me.
What I don’t do.
forwardthinkingpt.com | by Mikal Solstad
“What do I do with this patient?”
This is a common question often asked by many therapists, and the suggestions are often many, even for the same patient.
What is K-Tape? Does it work?
mensrunninguk.co.uk | by Paul Coker
Kinesiology tape aims to improve bloodflow, reduce swelling and improve proprioception... but just how effective is it for us runners?
Good Calories, Bad Calories: The Mythology of Obesity, or The Mythology of Gary Taubes?
weightology.net | by James Krieger
In my last post on Gary Taubes and his book Good Calories, Bad Calories, I stated that I would do a chapter-by-chapter critique of the book, starting with Chapter 14, The Mythology of Obesity. In this chapter, Taubes begins to create a mystery that doesn't actually exist. He does this through a combination of logical fallacies, selective quotation of out-dated scientific data, and leaving out existing data that conflicts with his statements.
Why Science? – Because We’re Usually Wrong
bboyscience.com | by Tony Ingram
Not feeling well, you decide to go to some sort of healthcare provider – be it a doctor, therapist, or voodoo witch doctor (depending on your preference). You receive treatment. Interestingly, you end up feeling better, either immediately, or after some time has passed. Does this mean the treatment worked?
Tearing Down the Pillars of Evidence-Based Practice
physiologicalpt.com | by Kenny Venere
Evidence-based practice is not a math equation, it is not a three legged stool, and it does not consist of pillars. You are not “2/3rds evidence based” when your experience says a treatment works and your patient values that same treatment. One is not overly focusing on evidence when systematic reviews of well conducted randomized controlled trials directly refute an individual’s clinical experience or their patient’s history with a particular intervention.
You don't need clinical experience, You need deliberate practice. And, don’t be fooled you still need a lot of it
ptthinktank.com | by Kyle Ridgeway
Per Malcom Gladwell’s Outliers many advocate the 10,000 hour rule regarding the development of expertise. While this is a useful illustration of the sheer volume of practice necessary to develop mastery, it’s likely over simplistic for a concept as complex as expertise in a complicated craft.
What Does Current Evidence Say About the Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping?
massagefitnessmag.com | by Nick Ng
Despite the positive effects that some athletes and physiotherapy patients feel about using Kinesio Tape based on anecdotes, case reports, and some small-sampled studies, the scientific evidence in the last six years point toward little or no clinically significant benefits that Kinesio Tape is better than placebo effects, regular athletic tape, or other types of non-invasive interventions.
12 bad reasons for rejecting scientific studies
thelogicofscience.com
It is important to carefully examine scientific studies rather than blindly accepting them. But the inverse is also true. You have to carefully examine the study before rejecting it.
Since you’re here…
…we have a small favor to ask. More people are reading SimpliFaster than ever, and each week we bring you compelling content from coaches, sport scientists, and physiotherapists who are devoted to building better athletes. Please take a moment to share the articles on social media, engage the authors with questions and comments below, and link to articles when appropriate if you have a blog or participate on forums of related topics. — SF
