Qualitative Studies Related To Sports & Health Sciences

Most research studies featured in peer-reviewed exercise science journals are quantitative, meaning they take place in a laboratory and are concerned with questions such as what and how a specific physical interaction occurs. Qualitative research takes place in natural settings and explores why certain events happen. Your gym management probably performs informal qualitative studies, which take the form of member surveys, or simply counting the number of participants at a particular time of day.

Gear and Apparel Studies

Sport and fitness gear and apparel manufacturers often use qualitative research to predict the future success of their products. In the 1980s, for example, aerobic shoe manufacturers such as Reebok, Nike and Ryka allowed aerobic instructors to sample their shoes, in exchange for filling out a detailed survey about the shoe's performance. Qualitative research played a key role in the development of the shaped alpine ski. In 1993, Elan, credited with developing shaped ski technology, sent out pairs of its new skis to instructors throughout the country. Instructors reported that these lighter skis, with their pronounced side cut, facilitated easier carving and helped their students out of the intermediate rut. By the beginning of the 21st century, shaped skis became the only type of ski sold at gear shops.

Arthritis

A qualitative 2009 study published in "Physical Therapy and Occupational Pediatrics" explored fitness instructors' experiences at leading special exercise programs designed for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Lead author C.E. Hutzal of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, interviewed the instructors and reported three significant themes. The instructors agreed that their knowledge of arthritis and willingness to provide moral support influenced the children's attitudes about exercise. They also found the children needed to overcome their negative perceptions about exercise, but once they did, they were able to participate in a more active lifestyle.

Exercise Addiction

Involvement in exercise is generally considered a positive trait, but some sport psychologists speculate that extreme exercise is a form of addiction, according to authors Rachel Warner and Mark D. Griffiths. Their study, published in 2006 in the "International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction," featured 100 self-selected gym-users who were issued a questionnaire that used the Exercise Addiction Inventory. The authors reported that 8 percent of the study participants scored 24 of 30 questions, identifying them as being at risk for exercise addiction. The researchers found a correlation between exercise addiction and difficulties with other areas in their lives.

Injury

A variety of physical and psychosocial factors influence an athlete's susceptibility to injury, says lead author Urban Johnson, in a 2011 issue of "Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health." Johnson interviewed competitive athletes and reported that stress, fatigue and inadequate coping methods were three major factors that influenced an athlete's injury potential. Another study, published in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine," had some similar conclusions. Lead author U. Tranaeus studied Swedish floor-ball players and found that athletes prone to injury were unable to separate normal stiffness from injury warning signals. They also worked in a culture where it was unacceptable to talk about physical pain. Their coaches may have exacerbated their susceptibility by not giving them enough time for mental and physical recovery.