User:Kellie Toohey/Learning Outcomes/3. Understand a range of relevant research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate application within one's research field

To establish a strong level of understanding and knowledge, a methodology must be represented clearly to define the results, which have a level of statistical significance. Variables have been chosen because of the practical nature and the chosen measurement properties are relevant to the population being studied (Cancer Survivors). A pilot study will be used to define the purpose of the intervention and to ensure the methods are optimal for this patient group. Randomisation of the participants will be used to increase reliability and reduce bias in the intervention. One assessor who is appropriately qualified will carry out the research assessments to also ensure reliability. For this study we will also use a control group. It should be noted that my current statistical knowledge and experience requires further development and fine tuning, this will occur by attending workshops and seminars. My knowledge will also develop over the course of the pilot study with practical experience and support from my supervisors.

Strengths
 * Practical experience in application of research methods.
 * Background in exercise prescription and analysis.
 * Current knowledge in field of research.

Study Weaknesses
 * Research area has a broad application of research methodologies.
 * Measures are limited to one site for participants to attend.

Personal Weaknesses
 * I need up skilling and require training and qualifications relating to the equipment used.
 * Need to develop a greater understanding of knowledge relating to research methodologies including the Sphigmocor.

Addressing weaknesses
 * Limiting the field of study will narrow the topic area and hence the broadness of the research method used with cancer survivors.
 * My availability will be extensive to ensure there are many options for patients to attend sessions; this will also assist with compliance.
 * Attending training to up skill will ensure knowledge of application and increase the reliability of the results in the study.
 * Regular meetings and support from supervisors to ensure I am heading in the right direction with my understanding of methods and techniques.

Validation of research methods:
Body composition:
 * Height and weight will be assessed using a standard stadiometer and scale. It is a standard of measure validated in almost all research relating to exercise physiology outcomes.

Vessel function:
 * The SphygmoCor CPV system is non-invasive and measures pulse wave velocity between two arterial sites.
 * Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity is the recognized gold standard for aortic stiffness, a strong independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. SphygmoCor technology is fully validated and has been featured in hundreds of published clinical studies. It is used in leading medical centres worldwide and in pharmaceutical clinical trials. The system acquires the patient’s radial pulse waveform noninvasively by applanation tonometry, derives the pressure waveform of the ascending aorta and reports vital central blood pressure data.

Muscle and Functional Performance:
 * Lower body function will be assessed using a repeated chair rise test. The participant will be seated in a chair and asked to rise and sit 5 consecutive times, without the use of their arms for support, as fast as possible.
 * The 6 minute walk test will be used to determine functional status and has been validated and deemed reliable for use in research on cancer patients.

Lifestyle Questionnaires (completed at home) – all of these have been used in the research with cancer survivors in numerous projects;
 * Brief pain inventory (short form)
 * Mini-mental state to measure cognitive function.
 * Health-related quality of life specific to women with BCRL will also be assessed using a standard questionnaire FACT B (4).
 * Health history and demographic information will be also assessed using standardized questionnaires

Blood sample will handled and tested by an outside provider - Capital Pathology;
 * Capital Pathology is a fully NATA accredited Category GX medical testing laboratory that provides quality pathology services to general practitioners, medical specialists, nursing homes, private hospitals and the community in the ACT, South Coast, Snowy Mountains and Goulburn regions.
 * Cardiometabolic disease risk factors will be measure looking at levels of Interleukin-6, C-Reactive Protein (high sensitive), Full Blood Count, Blood Glucose and insulin.