User:Kellie Toohey/Learning Outcomes/4. Compare and evaluate a range methodologies and methods in terms of their use and application

Strengths


 * Knowledge and understanding of exercise physiology methodologies and their application.
 * Utilisation of methodologies and experience in their application.
 * Drive and organisational abilities.

Study Weaknesses


 * Inexperience in using statistical analysis software SPSS
 * Up skilling required to gain the skills to build an efficient software data based
 * External provider for blood extraction and analysis
 * Questionnaires will be filled out at home – may skew data

Personal Weaknesses


 * No experience in Spigmocor usage
 * Experience required in statistical analysis

Theory of method section and addressing weaknesses in this area

It is critically important to get the method section accurate to enable the research to be reproducible. Focus will be placed on the recruitment of subjects, design of the study, measures used and the analysis of the data. The recruitment process and eligibility criteria will be explained in detail and justified in relation to stratification of characteristics of the sample of participants used and depersonalise raw data. Detailing of all assessments and timings is required within the methods section, a well rounded understanding of statistical analysis will be required to record this information successfully. Explanation regarding the pilot study looking at the data to produce information on the feasibility of the design of the project. Justification of sample size and estimation of the smallest important values, for the most important effect; taking in to consideration any multiple inferences, and quantification of individual differences. It will need to be discussed to evaluate if the study had adequate precision to justify an outcome or comparison with a published outcome. Variables with the smallest amount of errors from the measurement properties specific to the subjects and conditions of the study should be used. The pilot study will be used to define the purpose and methods of the project.

Main points - addressing weakness in relation to testing and data


 * Testing protocols must be valid and reliable
 * Ensure reliability of testing protocols
 * Make sure data collection is accurate to enable valid results
 * Assessors and supervisors have appropriate qualification for their role in the study
 * One assessor for each of the protocols – to decrease errors of measurements
 * Reliable testing conditions
 * Minimise statistical outliers
 * Equipment – determine the magnitude of confidence intervals of the treatment effect – how the treatment intervention works or does not work

Study 1

The first research study will require analytical knowledge to understand, extract, and record data from a large data base (2500 breast cancer survivors) at The Canberra Hospital, an exercise recall survey will be used as follow up to define conclusions relating to physical activity levels within the cancer survivor population. Discussions with my supervisor will continue to take place regarding this survey as there are no validated surveys within this population for physical activity recall. As with questionnaires there is always an element of potential incorrect data, this will be statistically taken into consideration in the write up of the data.

Study 2

The pilot study will involve a small amount of participants who will carry out an eight week exercise intervention. Measures will be carried out under the supervision of a trained professional. Sphygmocor - vessel function analysis will be carried out again by an appropriately qualified individual. The other measurements will all be carried out by an accredited exercise physiologist. Blood draws will be carried out by an accredited external provider, who meets the strict standards of the Federal and ACT governments.

Study 3

This study will look at functional assessments and quality of life measurements from the questionaries that participants will fill out pre and post intervention in the main study. Statistical analysis will be carried out to take in to consideration the potential error in the data received.

Study 4

The main study will take into consideration the data from the pilot study and make minor adjustments if required. The study will be the same as the pilot study and will involve a at least forty participants who will carry out a twelve week exercise intervention. Measures will be DEXA which will be carried out under the supervision of a trained professional. Sphygmocor - vessel function analysis will be carried out again by an appropriately qualified individual. The other measurements will all be carried out by an accredited exercise physiologist. Blood draws will be carried out by an accredited external provider, who meets the strict standards of the Federal and ACT governments.

The measures discussed for the study are derived from literature knowledge and discussions with supervisors on the study and has been put together from past and current knowledge and personal experience. Participation in future training and workshops may alter perceptions relating to the types of measurements for the study and change the proposed methodology. Continuous communication with supervisors will take place to ensure the right course of action is taken and my understanding of the analysis of the data is current and justified.