Assessment and physiological anchors
How test protocols, thresholds, critical power models, maximal anchors, and raw data processing influence the information available for exercise prescription.
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 begins long before the intervention
Exercise studies often evaluate adaptive outcomes following standardised interventions. However, the methods used to translate an individual’s physiological data into a standardised prescription have received far less scrutiny.
A range of physiological and performance anchors, thresholds, test protocols, and analytical choices can lead researchers and practitioners to prescribe different work rates for the same intended exercise stimulus. The Consortium focuses on these upstream methodological decisions: how they are made, how much they vary, and how they can be studied, optimised, and reported with greater clarity and consistency.
02 / Current focus
Questions that shape the prescription
Current interests are closely connected to endurance (cardiorespiratory) exercise, while leaving room for the methodological scope to develop.
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 outline04 / How collaboration works
Project-led, contribution-based
- 01
Frame the question
An early-career researcher proposes a methodological problem that needs thoughtful, 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.
05 / Support the Consortium
Help develop better exercise prescription methods
Individuals and organisations can express an interest in supporting eligible research activities and the responsible development of the Consortium.
No payment is taken through this website. We will first discuss an appropriate arrangement with Edinburgh Napier University.
Discuss supporting the work06 / 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 projectContributor 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 contributeApplications are reviewed for fit, capacity across projects, and constructive participation. Applying does not provide automatic membership or access to the private Slack workspace.