Ep 320 - Myths Versus Theories in Exercise Science (ft. James Steele)

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Eric Trexler engage in a lively discussion with Dr. James Steele about the evolving landscape of sports science, particularly focusing on the critiques of periodization and the importance of scientific theory in exercise research. They explore the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry, the challenges of conducting robust research, and the implications of recent studies on training effects. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more theory-driven approach in exercise science to enhance the validity and applicability of research findings. In this conversation, James Steele and Eric Helms discuss the intricacies of designing meaningful studies in hypertrophy research, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, causal inference, and the need for high-powered studies. They explore the challenges of resistance training research, the significance of theory corroboration, and the future directions for the field. The discussion highlights the necessity of passion and purpose in research, advocating for a focus on practical applications and the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of training effects.

Time stamps:

0:00 Welcome to another episode of Iron Culture and some housekeeping
https://massresearchreview.com/
https://sportsnutritionassociation.com/sna-annual-2025-conference/

 4:01 Welcoming Dr James Steele
Iron Culture Ep 218 Science is Flawed, but Can be Fixed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_NYCZpY3RA&t=1s
Steele 2023 The Myth of Periodisation https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373512935_The_Myth_of_Periodisation
Stone 2024 The Myth of the Myth? An Opinion https://journal.iusca.org/index.php/Journal/article/view/353

12:26 James’ issues with periodisation

25:53 How different research areas work

36:03 The philosophy of science

44:47 James breaks down the (statistics of the) Gschneidner lengthened-partials study
Gschneidner 2024 The effects of lengthened-partial range of motion resistance training of the limbs on arm and thigh muscle cross-sectional area https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/485 

1:04:47 What are we actually trying to do in research and going over the results https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15947721/ 
Steele 2021 Long-Term Time-Course of Strength Adaptation to Minimal Dose Resistance Training Through Retrospective Longitudinal Growth Modeling https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35591809/ 
Hubal 2005 Variability in muscle size and strength gain after unilateral resistance training https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15947721/ 
Coleman 2022 Muscular Adaptations in Drop Set vs. Traditional Training: A meta-analysis https://journal.iusca.org/index.php/Journal/article/view/135
Sødal 2023 Effects of Drop Sets on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37523092/

1:24:23 Linear log gains and the role of multi-site data collection 
Latella 2024 Using Powerlifting Athletes to Determine Strength Adaptations Across Ages in Males and Females: A Longitudinal Growth Modelling Approach https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38060089/ 

01:38:51 Answering research questions, method reforms, and the reasons behind lifting 

01:49:53 Final thoughts and a sneak peek into James’ future work and where to find him
ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Steele-14
Instagram @james.steeleii https://www.instagram.com/james.steeleii/?hl=en