Une controverse scientifico-technique dans le monde des sciences du sport: Le cas de l'électrostimulation

Abstract

This article analyses a scientific controversy in the world of sport sciences. It concerns electrical stimulation, a technique to increase muscular strength with a device sending electric impulses to the muscle. This technique was studied by numerous researchers. Their results are contradictory and have opened a controversy involving several categories of actors whom we identify. We study the arguments used by these groups to support their point of view. We analyze social processes occurring in the construction and regulation of the controversy. It mobilizes opposed conceptions of scientific research and reveals in particular the conflicts between fundamental and applied research. Axiological positions and values leading to different conceptions of sport are at stake, as well as the relations that research has to maintain with industry. The article shows that these conflicts can be understood by considering researchers' positions in the field of sport science, and interests associated to these positions. This article analyses a scientific controversy in the world of sport sciences. It concerns electrical stimulation, a technique to increase muscular strength with a device sending electric impulses to the muscle. This technique was studied by numerous researchers. Their results are contradictory and have opened a controversy involving several categories of actors whom we identify. We study the arguments used by these groups to support their point of view. We analyze social processes occurring in the construction and regulation of the controversy. It mobilizes opposed conceptions of scientific research and reveals in particular the conflicts between fundamental and applied research. Axiological positions and values leading to different conceptions of sport are at stake, as well as the relations that research has to maintain with industry. The article shows that these conflicts can be understood by considering researchers' positions in the field of sport science, and interests associated to these positions.