Inform Performance Jess Elis - Navigating Ethics & Improving Athlete Data Processes
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Sep 29, 2025 Jess Elis, an experienced sports physical therapist and founder of Rehab Code, dives into the intricate world of ethics and athlete data. With leadership roles in organizations like EXOS and the NBA, he discusses the importance of communication and consent in data collection. Elis highlights risks of over-relying on data and the varied responses from athletes, categorizing them as adopters, resistors, and optimizers. He emphasizes the human element, advocating for transparent dialogue and written consent to foster trust in professional sports.
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Player Rejection Sparked The Research
- A veteran player refused force plate testing because he wanted decisions made on-court, not by machines.
- Jess used that conversation as a catalyst to explore players' beliefs about testing and start his research.
Athlete Perspectives Are Understudied
- There is a large research gap on athletes' subjective beliefs about testing versus device validity.
- Jess chose qualitative thematic analysis to surface athletes' perspectives rather than more device-focused quantitative work.
Communicate Proactively Or Lose Trust
- Do proactively educate athletes about why you collect data and how it helps them in language they understand.
- Avoid passive collection because lack of communication breeds mistrust and noncompliance.