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.

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.

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