METHODS
How our studies work.
Every LockerIndex study is designed, run and analyzed by sport scientists with academic research backgrounds. Here's exactly what happens, and what you can claim at the end.
The study
- 1. Design
- We start from the claims you want to make and design the study to test them: which athletes, how long they use the product, and which questions measure each claim. The method is agreed in writing before the study starts.
- 2. Athletes
- We recruit from the Locker, our opt-in network of college, pro and retired athletes 18+, matched by sport, level, gender and region. Every athlete is verified with a roster page, school email or pro profile before their first paid study.
- 3. Use
- Athletes use your product in their own training, typically for 2 to 4 weeks. Concept studies need no product: athletes rate designs, flavors, packaging, names or prices.
- 4. Questionnaires
- Athletes answer structured questionnaires before and after, using validated scales where they exist. Athletes are paid for completing the study, not for their answers.
- 5. Analysis and report
- Scientists analyze the results and prepare a report: what athletes experienced, how they rated the product, what to fix, and every claim the data supports, with the numbers behind it.
What you can claim
- Athlete-reported claims
- What athletes reported or preferred, for example "91% of athletes reported less soreness after 3 weeks" or "86% would choose it over their current product." Athlete research studies are designed to support these.
- Efficacy claims
- Claims about measured physiological effects, for example "reduces soreness by 30%," require a clinical trial with objective measures. We'll tell you when a claim needs one.
- Wording
- Every claim is reported with the number of athletes and the study conditions. We recommend your legal team review final claim wording for your market.
Integrity
- Results can't be bought
- You receive every claim the data supports and only those. Results are never edited.
- Ethics review
- Independent ethics review is available for any study and recommended for health-related claims, arranged with an independent review board as part of the study scope.
- Privacy
- Athletes are never named. Claims and reports use combined results only. Athletes never post, endorse or give up their name, image or likeness.
- Limits
- Participants choose to take part and answers are self-reported. Every report says who took part and how, so readers can judge the results.
Studies from $5,000. Book a call to scope yours, or see our independent research.