Chris interviews Jay Dicharry, a physical therapist from Bend, Oregon. They discuss Jay's new product, the MOBO board, foot mechanics and function for runners, challenges of sourcing in China, marketing a foot product without using the word 'foot', pursuing interests in a new environment, and effective teaching and communication.
The Mobile Board is an innovative tool designed to improve foot control, strength, and stability for runners, coaches, and trainers.
Jay Dicharry emphasizes the importance of training foot muscles and promoting proper foot mechanics for optimal running performance.
Deep dives
The Mobile Board: Enhancing Strength, Balance, and Coordination for Runners
The Mobile Board, a new product designed by physical therapist and running expert Jay Descherry, is a game-changer for runners, coaches, and trainers looking to improve their strength, balance, coordination, and overall abilities. The board focuses on foot control and helps athletes shift load over the first metatarsal and drive down with the big toe, promoting proper foot mechanics and stability during running and other athletic movements. With its unique design, the board allows for individualized assessment and training while providing a stable surface for exercises. It can be used for rehabilitating ankle sprains, optimizing squat mechanics, and even adding load for more advanced athletes. By incorporating the Mobile Board into training routines, athletes can enhance their performance and reduce the risk of injuries.
Foot Health: A Key Factor in Running Performance
In recent years, foot health has become a focal point in Jay Descherry's work as a physical therapist. He believes that, just like other parts of the body, the feet require attention and specific training to perform optimally. Descherry emphasizes the importance of foot control and proper foot mechanics for runners. He notes that many athletes focus on training their upper body and lower body muscle groups but neglect their feet. Descherry's research has revealed two common compensation strategies among runners: the supinatory bias, where individuals tend to stand on the outside of their feet, and the instability bias, characterized by a collapse and lack of activation in the first ray. These strategies can negatively impact balance, stability, and overall performance. Therefore, Descherry advocates for training the intrinsic foot muscles, promoting proper foot adaptation to the ground, and improving stability for optimal running mechanics.
The Journey of Creating the Mobile Board
The Mobile Board is the result of Jay Descherry's innovative and persistent efforts. The journey started with a simple idea to create a tool that could help athletes develop foot control and stability. Descherry began by experimenting with different materials and designs and eventually built the first prototype himself in his garage. Despite initial challenges in finding the right resources and manufacturers, Descherry persisted in refining the design and sourcing production in China. The Mobile Board is now ready for the market, offering athletes and clinicians a reliable and effective tool for improving foot strength, balance, and coordination. Descherry's hope is that the Mobile Board will be viewed as a valuable addition to training regimens, prompting positive changes in foot mechanics and enhancing overall athletic performance.
The Future of Foot Training and Performance Optimization
Looking ahead, Jay Descherry continues to pursue his passion for research and optimizing performance in athletes. He is actively engaged in research, with recent work focusing on the influence of footwear design on stability mechanics during running, cutting, and jumping. Descherry also emphasizes the value of individualized assessment and training for his patients and clients. By leveraging technology, such as the free Stride Lab app, which includes built-in screening tools, Descherry aims to provide athletes with personalized strategies for optimizing foot health and overall athletic performance. He believes that with advancements in technology and continued research, the field of foot training and performance optimization will continue to evolve, enabling athletes to further enhance their physical capabilities and reach their goals.
