The Key is Individualization

In the academic and scientific realm, an interesting phenomenon is observed: as one delves deeper into study, reading, learning, research, and critical thinking, the extent of one's ignorance becomes more apparent. This is particularly evident in the field of health and exercise and sports science, where patients, clients, and athletes are often the most impacted. This situation arises from the lack of consensus among doctors, trainers, nutritionists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and other related professionals on multiple interventions or treatments, resulting in not always optimal care.

For example, there are questions about the effectiveness of different training methods to reduce body fat percentage, such as continuous moderate-intensity training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or strength training. Similarly, there is debate about the best type of training: HIIT, polarized training, or pyramidal training. In the field of nutrition, there are also questions about whether fruit is beneficial or harmful to health.

Regarding injuries, doubts arise about the appropriate treatment for certain conditions, such as meniscus injuries, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, or fifth metatarsal fractures, and whether these always require surgery.

This landscape reveals an abundance of information but a scarcity of clear and defined knowledge. Questions are raised about why some people can consume a large amount of calories without gaining weight or fat, while others quickly increase their fat percentage, or why some individuals develop muscle mass quickly compared to others.

These reflections lead to rethinking many aspects, even within the practice of "evidence-based medicine," where contradictions are often found. Scientific evidence can show divergent results on the same topic, and paradoxically, there are individuals who respond positively to interventions not supported by evidence. Furthermore, for most interventions, there is no clear scientific proof, which does not necessarily imply the ineffectiveness of an intervention.

In the exercise physiology laboratory, efforts are made to control variables such as temperature, humidity, radiant heat, and air movement, including precise calibration of equipment and the application of specific loads to athletes. However, the emotional and psychological aspects, inherent to human beings, escape this control. These factors significantly influence training and competition, affecting athletes' physiological responses and adaptations at key moments. Despite attempts to regulate all factors, elements of uncertainty and unforeseen outcomes are inherent in the process and human physiology, both in sports and in everyday life.

Understanding these differences in studies and human responses requires understanding the interaction of physiology with the human factor, including genetics, which leads to each person responding uniquely to a stimulus, medication, treatment, or intervention. The key is INDIVIDUALIZATION.

To apply proper management, intervention, or treatment, it is essential to understand each person's individual physiology. In the field of physical activity, exercise, and sports, it is crucial to know each individual in their genetic, physiological, psychological, and emotional aspects, to understand how they will respond and adapt to any intervention.

SportsMedTraining is dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of sports medicine, exercise physiology, and the science of sports and exercise. We strive to educate and empower individuals in their pursuit of knowledge, combining scientific evidence with an appreciation for the human aspects of health and sports performance. Our goal is to provide comprehensive learning resources and consulting services, recognizing the unique physiological, emotional, and psychological dimensions of physically active individuals and sports performance.

SportsMedTraining aspires to be a top-tier digital platform, transforming the landscape of education and practice in sports medicine and exercise sciences. Envisioning a future where every individual – from sedentary people to professional coaches, athletes, and their support teams – has access to cutting-edge knowledge and holistic perspectives in sports medicine and exercise sciences. This vision extends beyond technical expertise, fostering an understanding of the complex interplay between human physiology and psychology in sports. Through innovative technology, community collaboration, and ongoing research, we seek to cultivate an informed, empathetic, and skilled community that appreciates the human element in health and sports performance.

I hope you will join me in this project and invite you to follow us on social media (X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, YouTube) and on our website, SportsMedTraining.com. We will be offering courses, seminars, webinars, training, consultations, podcasts, and publications of the highest level.

I look forward to seeing you!

Jaime Roa, M.D.