Exercise Prescription Methodology Consortium

Better methods for prescribing exercise

The Exercise Prescription Methodology Consortium brings early-career researchers together to examine, test, and improve the methods used to assess and prescribe exercise.

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01 / The methodological problem

Prescription starts before the intervention

Exercise studies often compare outcomes after a programme has begun. The methods used to translate physiological information into an exercise prescription receive less scrutiny.

Different physiological anchors, thresholds, test protocols, and analytical choices may lead researchers to prescribe different work rates for the same intended stimulus. The Consortium focuses on these upstream methodological decisions: how they are made, how much they vary, and how they can be studied and reported more clearly.

02 / Current focus

Questions that shape the prescription

Current interests are closely connected to cardiorespiratory, aerobic, and endurance exercise, while leaving room for the methodological scope to develop.

Assessment and physiological anchors

How test protocols, thresholds, critical-power models, and maximal anchors influence the information available for prescription.

Translation into exercise intensity

How researchers select and apply methods when defining moderate, heavy, severe, or other intended exercise stimuli.

Study design and reporting

How methodological choices affect comparability, interpretation, reproducibility, and the reporting of exercise research.

03 / First project

One dataset, three sessions, many possible decisions

A proposed structured expert judgement study will examine whether researchers make comparable prescriptions when working from the same detailed physiological information.

Proposed

Variability in domain-based exercise-intensity prescription: a structured expert judgement study

When researchers receive the same detailed physiological information, do they prescribe the same exercise intensity?

Read the project outline

04 / How collaboration works

Project-led, contribution-based

See the full project lifecycle

01
Frame the question
An early-career researcher proposes a methodological problem that needs careful, collaborative study.
02
Assemble the working group
The Consortium reviews fit and feasibility, then identifies relevant collaborators and methodological expertise.
03
Develop the work
The group may refine the design, develop the protocol, undertake analysis, and plan appropriate scientific outputs.

Consortium membership does not confer authorship. Authorship on each output is based on meaningful contributions to that work.

05 / Membership pathways

Choose how you are ready to contribute

The standard route is for early-career researchers who want to lead a methodological project. A separate contributor route is available for those who are not yet ready to lead.

Primary pathway

Lead a methodological project

Bring a clearly framed methodological question and a proposal abstract of at least 250 words. The Consortium may help refine the design and identify a suitable working group.

Propose a project

Contributor pathway

Contribute to developing projects

Tell us about your methodological interests, relevant skills, and realistic availability. Your expertise may be matched with a current or developing project.

Apply to contribute

Applications are reviewed for fit, capacity, and constructive participation. Applying does not provide automatic membership or access to the private Slack workspace.