Peer-reviewed research (PRR) can be defined as a process whereby scholarly work is examined by a group of experts in the same field to make sure it meets the necessary standards before it is published or accepted (Peer Review, n.d.). Tradition may be thought of as a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by the people in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time (Tradition, n.d.). Initially, the aforementioned concepts appear diametrically opposed. However, how and when the exercise professional uses such tools ultimately determines the efficacy and utility of both. The following sections will explore the relationships of PRR and tradition as a means of appreciating the application, and mutual inclusivity, of both.

PRR not only helps guarantee quality research; PRR extends its reach and influence to exercise professionals, and consumers, to determine if a concept (i.e., planks vs. crunches and low back health) is safe and effective to implement. Traditionally, for example, many exercise professionals implemented crunches and twists as a means of conditioning the abdominal region. Currently, it is understood that lumbar motion can induce vertebral instability by tissue failure within the intervertebral discs (Vera-Garcia, Elvira, Brown, & McGill, 2007). Research has also indicated that co-contraction of abdominal muscles increases lumbar spine stability compared to traditional concepts such as hollowing (Vera-Garcia et al., 2007). In essence, PRR has the capacity to “tweak” tradition, so that new ways of thinking, and new levels of tradition can be employed.

Tradition can also inform research as well. Foam rolling (i.e., self-myofascial release) has been used for over a decade by medical and exercise professionals. PRR helped confirm its effectiveness by determining the mechanism through which it worked. Kaltenborn (2006) noted that foam rolling stimulated the golgi tendon organs of a muscle, initiating autogenic inhibition, facilitating relaxion and lengthening the muscle. In essence, PRR helped reinforce a belief (i.e., tradition) that the medical and exercise profession held as efficacious to their clientele.

In conclusion, PRR and tradition are neither “good” nor “bad” in their relationship to each other. If one views the aforementioned concepts as tools, while resisting the need to anthropomorphize them, it is possible to fuse the concepts in a useful and meaningful fashion. Ultimately tradition and PRR share a circular relationship; novel PRR can be inspired by tradition, and tradition can be refuted or maintained by PRR. If individuals can embrace the qualities of both while maintaining a degree of intellectual flexibility, the possibility of refining the culture and application of the exercise profession is both real and promising.

References

Kaltenborn, J. M. (2006). The foam roll: A compliment to any therapy. Athletic Therapy Today, 11(1), 38-39.

Peer Review. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster online. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peer%20review

Tradition. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster online. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tradition

Vera-Garcia, F. J., Elvira, J. A. L., Brown, S. H. M, & McGill, S. M. (2007). Effects of abdominal stabilization maneuvers on the control of spine motion and stability against sudden trunk perturbations. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 17(5), 556-567.

-Michael McIsaac