Quality assurance

Physiologists lead and support the testing, monitoring, and measurement of athletes with the intent of informing decisions related to athletes’ performance plans.  For recommendations to be accurate, appropriate and have a positive impact on performance, it is essential that any data collected, and their analysis methods, are valid and reliable. To achieve this, an understanding of the following quality assurance principles and practices, and how to apply them locally and as part of a united system, is required for success.

1. Principles of quality assurance, best practice, and continuous improvement
2. Understanding, documenting, and where possible controlling sources of error in data collection, analysis, and reporting
3. Understanding and applying principles of validity, accuracy, reliability, sensitivity
4. Developing, modifying, and effectively using testing and monitoring protocols and analysis methodologies
5. Assessing for meaningful change – e.g., testing errors, smallest worthwhile changes etc.
6. Equipment error, calibration, and troubleshooting
7. Interrogation and critical appraisal of new technologies, wearables, testing protocols and analysis methods