The Importance of Anecdotal Evidence Versus Scientific Evidence

Do you trust the science or the word? Although the bark may be worst than the bite, the hype can be more expensive. Look at the popular brands of bikes, swim-goggles, tri-suits, running shoes, sunglasses and your next race – it is quite obvious that influence plays a big part in building brands.

Many advertisements today, tout their products, with gleaming scientific references. Referencing to research can be a powerful process, as according to Robert B. Cialdini, PhD., Social Proof gives us ample reason to justify our purchases. When champions or leading age-groupers promote products through their endorsements, we may be easily swayed by their preferences or biases. Social media 2.0 are active agents of promotion or demotion; they can make or break brand reputations, and also bust our wallets.

How often have you been influenced by your friends? How often have you responded to recommendations by your podium-placing sporting buddies? Like it, or like it more, we are influenced by people’s feedback.

Some of the cloudy areas of product science in endurance sports are:

1)    Use of compression sports for racing.

2)    Use of ornamental aids that claim to have promote passive healing or health benefits (example: use of titanium powder or titanium strips, magnets, or copper).

3)    Use of singular nutrients that have ergogenic (sports-enhancing) properties and impact on the body. These include caffeine, Co-enzyme Q10, antioxidant-loaded foods, quinoa, wheat-grass, glucosamine, etc.

4)    Types of shoes that are designed to be minimalist (Examples: Vibram Five Fingers, running sandals, etc).

5)    Recovery methods like ice-baths, deep-tissue massage, chiropractic and compression-wear.

Despite in conclusion evidence at this point in time, the caveat stands: If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it! If it makes you feel good, keep doing it. The study on placebos and the Placebo Effect is huge and voluminous. Mind-over-body coupled with medicine and nutrients seem to be the most synergistic and complementary.

However, protect your eyes and skin! Never compromise the largest organ on your body, and the most observant ones. Slap on the high SPF and wear those sunnies!