What Evidence-Based Practice Means to Me

What Evidence-Based Practice Means To Me

What Evidence-Based Practice Means To Me

Dr. Sackett defines Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) as, “the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions” (Sackett, 1996). Personally, I feel Sackett’s definition should be slightly modified by replacing “making decisions” with “problem solving”. The job of the health and fitness professional is not too merely to provide repetition and exercise recommendations. In fact, today’s leading professionals must be world class problem solvers utilizing current EBP methods as a powerful tool whenever available. Every health and fitness client, whether an athlete or an obese factor worker, has a health and fitness problem of some sort. An EBP minded professional, in contrast to the status quo professional, will be able to solve such problems in a safer and more efficient manner thus furthering the health and fitness profession.

My own personal journey as an EBP professional has evolved from a textbook and expert opinion based professional approach to a more EBP critical minded approach. I have noticed my transformation has ignited a new passion for research and sparked renewed creativity in applying research findings into my practice. While reading any new study, I immediately question the study’s methods and findings along with the author’s motivations in an effort to positively critique the results for professional value. If I determine the study results have potential value, I immediately switch gears into finding a creative way to implement the results into practical application. For example, if a research study identifies key social support structures needed for fitness programing success, I incorporate the results with my client base in an attempt to maximize results in sync with current research.

I feel the present health and fitness industry faces a forthcoming tidal wave of change emphasizing more scientific minded practitioners. Today’s client has immediate access to dizzying amounts of information

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