Making Research More Approachable

Written by Casey Metoyer, PhD, SCCC, CSCS

Introduction:

This article discusses seven strategies to make research more accessible to the general public, particularly in fitness and health:

1. Simplify Language: Use clear, everyday terms instead of technical jargon.

2. Use Real-Life Examples: Connect research to practical experiences and success stories.

3. Leverage Visuals: Utilize charts and infographics to explain complex findings.

4. Focus on Practical Applications: Show how research applies to daily life.

5. Community Engagement: Host discussions and Q&A sessions with the public.

6. Emphasize Collaboration: Highlight how research involves various experts working together.

7. Foster Research Literacy: Promote understanding through informal settings like community gyms.

Research often appears to be a complex and distant process for the average individual, filled with jargon, intricate methodologies, and statistical analyses that can seem overwhelming. However, research, particularly in the field of fitness and health, holds incredible potential to improve the lives of individuals, and making it more approachable can open the door to greater public understanding and participation. It is my goal, in conjunction with the CrossFit Medical Society, with its unique intersection of fitness and health, to bridge the gap between research and the community. Here are some strategies, that I propose, to make research more accessible and relatable to the general population.

1. Simplify the Language

Academic research often uses technical terms and complex language that can alienate those who don’t have a background in the subject. To engage the average individual, research findings should be communicated in clear, everyday language. Avoiding jargon and explaining complex concepts with simple analogies can help the broader community grasp key insights without feeling overwhelmed.

For example, when presenting findings on the effectiveness of functional fitness in treating obesity-related co-morbidities, instead of using terms like "insulin resistance" or "glycemic control," researchers can explain these concepts in terms of how exercise helps the body process sugars and reduce risks like diabetes.

2. Use Real-Life Examples

One of the most effective ways to bring research closer to the everyday person is to tie it directly to real-life experiences. Case studies, success stories, and examples of how research translates to real-world benefits can capture people's attention and make the findings feel more relevant to their own lives.

For instance, highlighting how a CrossFit intervention helped a participant lower their cholesterol or lose weight can demonstrate the practical implications of fitness research. When individuals see that research isn't just theoretical but also impactful in tangible ways, it becomes easier for them to appreciate its value.

3. Leverage Visuals and Infographics

Many people are visual learners, and using charts, graphs, and infographics can help simplify complex research findings. These visuals can provide an immediate understanding of the study's purpose and outcomes in a way that text alone might not. Instead of presenting a lengthy abstract filled with technical details, research can be shared through quick, digestible images that highlight key results.

For example, rather than discussing statistics on how functional fitness improves cardiovascular health in dry numerical terms, a simple infographic showing before-and-after results of heart rate variability, blood pressure, or weight could instantly convey the effectiveness of the intervention.

4. Highlight the Practical Applications

Individuals often wonder, "How does this research apply to me?" By directly addressing how findings can be applied in daily life, researchers can connect their work to individuals' concerns and needs. It’s important to demonstrate how study results can enhance performance, improve health, or solve common challenges faced by the population.

A study on the benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for weight loss, for example, could be framed around how people can incorporate short, effective workouts into their busy lives. This makes the research feel practical, achievable, and worth exploring.

5. Engage the Community

Researchers can foster a more inclusive dialogue by actively engaging with the community, including fitness professionals, athletes, and the general public. Hosting open discussions, webinars, or live Q&A sessions about research findings allows individuals to ask questions, voice concerns, and share their experiences. By involving the community in the research process, researchers can build a sense of ownership and curiosity about the studies they conduct.

For example, after publishing a study on the benefits of functional fitness for managing obesity, researchers could host a webinar with members of the CrossFit Medical Society to discuss the findings, address questions, and provide actionable insights on how participants can use the research to improve their health, much like we do.

6. Emphasize the Collaborative Nature of Research

Research is not a solitary endeavor; it is often the result of collaboration among various experts, including those in the fitness community. Highlighting the collaborative aspect of research can help demystify the process and show that the insights gained come from a diverse group of people working together for a common goal.

For example, a study that looks at the impact of exercise on mental health may involve psychologists, fitness trainers, and medical professionals. By explaining the multidisciplinary nature of research, individuals can see that it is a joint effort that includes many voices—some of which they might recognize as part of their everyday fitness community.

7. Foster a Research-Informed Culture

Promoting a culture that encourages research literacy is essential for making research more approachable. Providing opportunities for people to learn about and engage with research in informal settings, such as community gyms or local fitness events, can help normalize the idea that everyone can understand and contribute to the research process.

This can include hosting mini-seminars or discussions on how research informs fitness practices, such as the role of strength training in injury prevention or the impact of sleep on performance. Making research part of everyday conversations helps integrate it into the broader culture.

Conclusion

Research has the power to transform lives, but only if it is accessible and understandable to the people it aims to benefit. By simplifying the language, using real-life examples, incorporating visuals, and directly addressing practical applications, we can make research in fitness and health more relatable to the general population. Engaging the community and fostering a culture of research literacy will empower individuals to appreciate the value of scientific studies and become active participants in their own health and wellness journeys.

Through these efforts, the CrossFit Medical Society and I hope to play a crucial role in bringing research to the forefront of the fitness community, demonstrating that research is not just for academics—it’s for everyone.

Continue to follow the CFMS newsletter as well as myself on social media (@sportsciguy) for more information and easily digestible information of recent literature in this space.