Interpretation of empirical results in intervention studies: a commentary and kick-off for discussion

Sports science as an empirical science produces study results that are to be interpreted hypothesis-oriented. The validity of the interpretation of statistically and practically significant results depends on the one hand on the theoretical foundation of the research question and on the other hand on the concrete methodological procedure in intervention studies. Considering hypotheses at the empirical-content and statistical level, recurring interpretation difficulties arise when numbers are translated into words or recommendations for action. On the basis of two examples, a discussion in the scientific community is to be initiated, which could be continued in this journal in case of corresponding interest in methodological issues.