This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast we have 3 absolute guns within our industry: Director of Speed Development at the Houston Texans, Ryan Grubbs, Professor at the University of Saint-Etienne. JB Morin and Owner of Spellman Performance, Les Spellman.
This episode of the podcast is all about sprint profiling and there are no better three people to discuss this than JB, Les and Ryan. We kick off the first half of the conversation with Ryan explaining why we should be profiling our athletes in the first place. JB and Les then weigh in on the various ways we can go about that with our athletes. Then, in our opinion, the key part of this conversation then turns to how we use this information to inform our coaching practice.
In the second half of the episode we then chat about the logistics of undertaking profiling within various different environments and with various populations. How do we profile with large groups, should we be profiling youth athletes and what is the difference between and acceleration profile and a max speed profile are all questions that get answered.
If you want to dive into this topic, there is no better people than these three. Make sure you give it a listen.
Main talking points -

Why it is essential to profile our athletes
 
The various ways we can profile our athletes
 
How we use data to inform our coaching practice
 
Profiling large groups of athletes
 
Profiling acceleration vs maximal speed

Sprint profiling: Why do it, how to do it well and dispelling some myths with Les Spellman, JB Morin and Ryan Grubbs

There are lots of voices in the coaching world. Few are as trusted as the Pacey Performance Podcast. Rob Pacey and his guests share the philosophies, ideas and insights in conversations that are the signal in the noise of the sport performance space.

Science

Sports

Health & Fitness

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob sits down with Physiotherapist and Head of the Assessment Lab at Aspetar, Roula Kotsifaki to delve into the critical role of technology and specific testing protocols in determining an athlete's readiness to return to play after an ACL injury.
Roula emphasizes the importance of measuring asymmetries, movement quality, and strength to prevent future injuries. Key highlights include the construction of sensitive testing protocols to measure key competencies. Roula discusses the significance of hop tests and jump tests in identifying asymmetries and the role of landing variability in ACL rehabilitation. She highlights the use of 3D force plates and cameras to accurately assess power metrics and joint contributions during vertical and horizontal jumps, which are crucial for evaluating an athlete's readiness.
Roula also details which metrics we should trust and which we shouldn't, and that includes her questioning the use of rate of force development related metrics. Furthermore, Roula stresses that successful return to play after ACL surgery requires comprehensive rehabilitation and shouldn't be determined by a timeline. Just because you are at 9-months post surgery, it doesn't mean that you're ready. Being "ready" should be based on achieving specific competencies.
Listeners can gain insights into the best practices for ACL rehabilitation, the use of technology in assessing readiness, and the critical metrics for ensuring a safe and effective return to play.
Key points:
Importance of technology in ACL rehabilitation.
Measure asymmetries to prevent future injuries.
Choosing sensitive testing protocols.
Hop tests options.
3D force plates assess joint contributions.
Problems with rate of force development metrics.
Comprehensive rehab before returning to sport.
Why the minimum 9 month timeframe for ACL recovery

Vertical and horizontal jumping during ACL return to play with Roula Kotsifaki

On this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to 3 experts when it comes to the research and application of force plates, Phil Graham-Smith, Matt Jordan and Paul Read.
 
The converation starts off with Phil diving into how we choose a force plate and what are our options to ensure we are choosing the right technology for our needs. Phil highlights the importance of having a clear objective when selecting force plates, as knowing what and why we are testing is crucial for effective usage.
 
The experts discuss the benefits of using dual force plates for tracking asymmetries in athletes, which is particularly useful in rehabilitation scenarios. This approach not only helps in pinpointing discrepancies but also in enhancing overall performance by ensuring both sides are equally developed.
 
Listeners will also discover the importance of instantaneous feedback and robust data analysis provided by force plate software. Such features are integral for integrating with other measurement devices and offer real-time insights that can dramatically influence training decisions.
 
Jump mechanics are another focal point of the discussion, illustrating how jump height, ground contact time, and the duration of eccentric and concentric phases are pivotal metrics for measuring athlete fatigue and performance. Understanding these metrics within a standardized framework helps in effectively interpreting the data and making informed training adjustments.
 
The podcast also covers practical techniques, such as the hands-on hips method, to ensure consistent and reliable data collection during jump tests. Furthermore, the discussion extends to how force plates can aid in classifying ACL injuries through detailed analysis of jump measures and mechanical variables, providing invaluable support in rehabilitation and training regimes.
 
Towards the end of the podcast, the conversation shifts to the importance of selecting the most reliable metrics and avoiding those that are less consistent, such as the rate of force development. The experts stress focusing on metrics with a strong biological basis and high repeatability to ensure the data collected is both accurate and useful.
 
This episode is an indispensable resource for coaches, athletes, and sports scientists eager to leverage advanced technology to enhance athletic performance and prevent injuries.
 
Main talking points:
 
Understand various force plate types for specific needs.
 
Clearly define testing objectives for effective force plate use.
 
When to and when not to monitor athlete asymmetries.
 
Instant feedback, robust data analysis enhance training decisions.
 
Measure athlete fatigue and performance with key metrics.
 
Standardize data interpretation using a consistent framework.
 
Force plates classify ACL injuries through jump analysis.
 
Prioritize reliable metrics, avoid inconsistent rate of force development.
 
Focus on metrics with strong biological basis, repeatability.
 
Adjust training based on individual and sport-specific demands.

How to use force plates effectively: An expert roundtable with Phil Graham-Smith, Matt Jordan and Paul Read

In episode 496 of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is talking to Mitch Cholewinski, Coordinator of Football Sports Science at the University of Nebraska.
Mitch starts off with detailing his unusual route into sports science and explains how he applies process dynamics from chemical engineering to manage and optimize athlete training regimens through flowcharts and decision trees. His work at the Nebraska Athletics Performance Lab focuses on biomechanics and sports science, where he has been instrumental in expanding the sports science department. Mitch emphasizes the importance of educating athletes on data collection and the use of new recovery resources like sauna, red light therapy, and sensory deprivation float tanks, ensuring athletes take an active role in their recovery processes.
The podcast also covers how Mitch collaborates with strength coaches and integrates with the strength staff to enhance recovery and performance using data-driven methods. He utilizes visual aids and quick communication methods to address performance issues in real-time, fostering a proactive approach to athlete management. This episode is a unique insight into sports science provision at a division 1 football programme. Check it out.
Main talking points:
Integrating engineering principles into sports science
Expand sports science departments strategically.
Educate athletes on data collection importance.
Involve athletes in performance decision-making.
Ensure athlete ownership of recovery processes.
Collaborate with strength coaches and specialists.
Use visual aids for real-time performance feedback.
Implement new recovery tools during fall camp.
Foster athlete participation in recovery and training.

Integrating sports science into a college football performance programme with Mitchell Cholewinski

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Consultant, Physio and Biomechanist at the Manchester Institute of Health and Performance, Chris Bramah.
Delving into the intricacies of running mechanics, Chris explains the crucial connection between specific movement patterns and the risk of hamstring injuries. Through his expertise, listeners gain an understanding of how lumbar-pelvic control, backside mechanics, and overstriding play pivotal roles in athlete health and performance. The conversation further explores the cutting-edge technology of 3D biomechanics assessments, highlighting their application in elite sports environments including Premier League football clubs, to optimize rehabilitation strategies and return-to-play decisions.
Chris then introduces the Sprint Mechanics Assessment Score (S-MAS), a novel, simplified tool he developed—a 12-item score that utilizes basic camera setups to assess movement mechanics effectively during athletes' warm-ups. This tool is designed to enhance the confidence of practitioners in diagnosing and addressing potential issues.
The discussion touches on the future of biomechanical assessments in sports, emphasizing the promising yet still evolving role of artificial intelligence and motion capture technologies. Chris shares his holistic approach to integrating clinical research with practical experience, aiming to create a broader impact on patient outcomes and advance the field of sports medicine.
Main talking points:

The role of 3D biomechanics in rehab and return-to-play.
 
Running mechanics' impact on hamstring injury risks.
 
Sprint mechanics Assessment Score (S-MAS)
 
Lumbo-pelvic control and overstriding prevention.
 
Avoiding S-MAS set up issues
 
Use of AI and motion capture in future assessments.
 
Integrating clinical research with practical applications.

Utilising the sprint mechanics assessment score (S-MAS) to try reduce hamstring injuries with Chris Bramah

In episode #494 of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Senior Lecturer in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at the University of Notre Dame, Brady Green for a detailed exploration of calf injuries, particularly their high prevalence and recurrence in elite sports. Brady sheds light on the limited research surrounding the initial risk factors for calf strains, emphasizing the necessity for focused prevention and effective rehabilitation strategies.
The conversation begins with an overview of how prevalent calf injuries are in sports like Australian rules football and track and field, noting the challenges in reducing their incidence despite ongoing efforts. Brady points out that older athletes and those with a history of previous calf strains are particularly susceptible to future injuries. He suggests that targeted prevention through high-load strengthening and isometric exercises can induce structural adaptations that help mitigate these risks.
The podcast delves into the specifics of screening and testing for calf injury prevention and rehabilitation. It highlights the importance of strength testing in both seated and standing positions, the relevance of dorsiflexion, proper alignment, and the use of a metronome to standardize tests for running-based athletes.
Further discussion focuses on the need for dynamic function testing and training, including reactive strength endurance and horizontal force production, to fully understand and cater to the calf’s range of capacities. Brady emphasizes the biomechanical roles of the calf and the necessity of addressing impairments not just in the calf but also in the thigh, hip, and pelvis to prevent overload injuries.
The podcast concludes with strategies for early loading and strengthening of synergist muscles, progressing towards dynamic activities that focus on force and velocity components essential for calf injury rehabilitation. It also covers the critical steps of a thorough process for returning to play, including monitoring strength markers and assessing non-quantifiable factors like recovery and range of motion.
Finally, Brady touches upon an international collaboration project aimed at preventing calf injuries which includes some of the biggest organisations across the world. You can check Brady out at the Sportsmith Rehab Conference on 12-13 October.
Main talking points:
Calf injuries prevalent, high recurrence in elite sports.
Older age, previous strains major risk factors.
High-load strengthening, isometrics mitigate injury risks.
Screening includes seated, standing strength testing.
Dorsiflexion, alignment critical in testing protocols.
Benchmarks: 20-22 calf raises to failure.
Address biomechanics in thigh, hip, pelvis.
Early loading, synergist muscle strengthening essential.
Dynamic function testing for comprehensive rehab.
Monitor strength, assess non-quantifiable factors for return

Sprint profiling: Why do it, how to do it well and dispelling some myths with Les Spellman, JB Morin and Ryan Grubbs

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