How It Works: Institutional Review Board IRB in Human Performance Research

Описание: Learn more about the key functions of Institutional Review Boards (IRB) in human performance research from experts at Exos' Human Performance Lab. In this Q&A, Monica Laudermilk, vice president of research, and Chris Ussery, senior research coordinator, answer questions about IRBs, including: when they are required, how a contract research organization like Exos engages an IRB, and the benefits companies should expect from IRB approved research.

WHAT ARE THE KEY FUNCTIONS OF AN IRB?

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) serves as an ethical oversight body to ensure research involving human participants adheres to ethical standards. The key functions include:
• Protecting the rights, welfare, and privacy of research participants.
• Ensuring compliance with federal and institutional regulations.
• Reviewing and approving, modifying, or rejecting research proposals.
• Monitoring ongoing research for ethical compliance and safety.
• Assessing risk-benefit ratios to ensure research is conducted responsibly.

WHEN IS IRB APPROVAL REQUIRED?

IRB approval is necessary when:
• Research involves human subjects, whether through direct interaction or the use of identifiable private information.
• Studies involve interventions, surveys, biomedical testing, or behavioral research.
• Data collection could pose ethical concerns regarding privacy, consent, or participant well-being.
• Federal regulations, funding agencies, or institutional policies mandate ethical review.
• Data collected from human subjects in a project will contribute to generalizable knowledge, such as hypothesis testing.

WHAT TYPES OF REVIEWS DOES AN IRB PROVIDE?

IRBs conduct different types of reviews based on the level of risk involved in the study:
• Exempt Review – For minimal-risk research such as anonymous surveys or educational studies.
• Expedited Review – For research involving minimal risk but requiring ethical oversight, such as studies using non-invasive procedures.
• Full Board Review – Required for research posing greater than minimal risk, such as clinical trials or studies involving vulnerable populations.

HOW DOES EXOS' HUMAN PERFORMANCE LAB ENGAGE WITH AN IRB?

Exos’ Human Performance Lab (HPL) follows IRB protocols to:
• Ensure ethical research practices in human performance studies.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements for data collection, testing, and interventions.
• Uphold participant confidentiality and informed consent procedures.
• Align scientific innovation with ethical responsibility.

By integrating IRB protocols, Exos validates the credibility and integrity of its research efforts, ensuring results can be published and used in performance optimization.

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF IRB APPROVAL FOR EXOS' HUMAN PERFORMANCE LAB CLIENTS?

Clients working with Exos’ HPL benefit from IRB approval through:
• Credibility – Ensures studies meet the highest ethical standards, increasing trust in findings.
• Compliance – Ensuring adherence to industry and regulatory standards.
• Participant Safety – Minimizing risks associated with human performance testing.
• Publication & Application – Where results can be used in peer-reviewed publications and applied research.

If our clients are looking for their project outcomes to contribute to generalizable knowledge and build upon literature in the scientific community, then IRB approval for their projects is essential.

HOW CAN IRB APPROVAL BE LEVERAGED?

IRB approval can be leveraged to:
• Enhance scientific rigor in research initiatives.
• Increase marketability and client confidence.
• Facilitate partnerships with research organizations.
• Expand data-driven innovation

By integrating IRB-reviewed studies, Exos can continue contributing to the broader field of human performance research while ensuring ethical responsibility.


LEARN MORE about Exos' Human Performance Lab and research capabilities at https://www.teamexos.com/research

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