Thinking like a Scientist, Mentorship, and Return to Play with Dr. Matt Jordan

What happens when we apply more scientific thinking to the game of high performance hockey? In this episode, we will take a deep dive into sports science research and practice alongside our guest, Dr. Matt Jordan. Matt is the assistant professor at the University of Calgary with his PhD in medical science and a masters in exercise physiology. He has worked with a multitude of high performance athletes in the worlds of speed skating, cross country skiing, snowboarding, football, and even more.

Today, Matt will help us bridge the gap between science and practice as we discuss methods, application, and results for the recovering athlete. We’ll find out more about his research in return to play from lower body injuries and the variables and benchmarks he most often utilizes as anchor points. What is the difference between coaching methods and lab research methods? How do you develop critical thinking skills and think like a scientist? What are relevant return to play tests and measurements? Time to put on your thinking cap and master the tools you’ll need as a practitioner and as a researcher!

0:00:00 Join us in welcoming Dr. Matt Jordan, Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary who is bridging the gap between science and practice!

0:02:20 How did Dr. Walter Herzog’s teachings influence and impact you?

0:06:10 What makes scientific research difficult?

0:09:20 The contrast in sports science coaching versus lab research methods.

0:15:50 Where did you develop your critical thinking skills?

0:19:30 As a researcher, what do you look for the most in a paper?

0:25:00 What statistical concepts should practitioners be aware of?

0:29:30 What tools do practitioners need in their data collection toolbox?

0:31:40 How does the p-value affect the presentation of data?

0:35:55 What is your frequentist approach?

0:39:40 What major problem did you run into in your masters program?

0:42:25 The hierarchy of evidence.

0:45:35 What tests do you prefer for return to play from lower body injuries?

0:49:35 Is the isometric midthigh pull your full body measure of choice? Why or why not?

0:52:45 What tests do you find more relevant?

0:54:25 What metrics do you watch for in force plate assessments?

0:59:05 Beyond your anchor point metrics, what else do you look for in your research?

1:02:40 What kind of thinking do you try to avoid?

1:04:15 In your return to skiing envelope paper, what were you specifically looking for?

1:07:25 How did you start using the asymmetry index?

1:10:11 Where is the number in relation to the left to right differences in performance?

1:14:45 What is your new research you’ve been working on?