Inform Performance

In this episode of the Athletic Shoulder Podcast, we’re joined by Annelies Maenhout, a visiting professor at Ghent University’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and a leading researcher in shoulder rehabilitation. As a core member of the university’s Upper Limb Research Team, Annelies has contributed significantly to the field through her work on EMG, motor learning, and kinetic chain mechanics. Her research bridges cutting-edge science with clinical practice, offering insights into how shoulder rehab can be refined through eccentric loading, implicit motor learning, and neuromechanics. With a forward-thinking approach, she explores how VR, brain activity, and reaction time play a role in optimizing rehab for overhead athletes. Topics Discussed: EMG research on kinetic chain and plyometric exercises How her view on GIRD (glenohumeral internal rotation deficit) evolved over time Key findings from eccentric training research Transitioning from internal to external attentional focus in rehab Applying implicit motor learning in shoulder rehabilitation The current gap in research on reaction time in overhead athletes Exploring the potential of VR and neuroscience in shoulder rehab Future directions in shoulder research: muscle synergies and brain activity Whether you're a clinician, coach, or researcher, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of evidence-based shoulder rehabilitation. - Where you can find Annelies: LinkedIn ResearchGate -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we speak with Perry Stewart, Head of Academy Performance at Arsenal Football Club, and a highly respected leader in elite sport. With over a decade of experience across high-performance environments, Perry brings a unique blend of practical coaching expertise, strategic leadership, and a deep focus on developing high-trust, high-performing teams. Perry holds an MSc in Strength & Conditioning, is pursuing a PhD at Loughborough University focusing on performance support teams, and is accredited by both the UKSCA and BASES. He was also named UKSCA Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year for Youth Sport, recognizing his outstanding work in athlete development. Topics Discussed: Unconventional path to leadership – From community fitness roles to elite sport Transitioning from practitioner to strategic leader at Arsenal The importance of people over process in high-performance environments How to build high-trust teams through empowerment and collaboration Learning leadership through experience and reflection, not just formal training Influences from organisational psychology and practical leadership frameworks The enduring impact of classic leadership models like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People This episode provides powerful insights for anyone interested in building culture, leading teams, and elevating athlete development within elite sport. - Where you can find Perry: •⁠  LinkedIn •⁠ Instagram •⁠ X - Sponsors Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. Remaker: The Portable Strength Tracking Ecosystem. Remaker provides real-time insights to optimise your performance, making even the smallest improvements in your strength training visible in an engaging and powerful format. Remakers integrate seamlessly with the exercise equipment you already use, and the app provides meaningful metrics for every rep, of every set, of every exercise. VALD: makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training. -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 185: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, hosted by Andy McDonald, we’re joined by Travis Gaudet and Taylor Evernden — two leaders in integrated rehab and performance systems. Travis is a highly credentialed physiotherapist with a Master’s from Dalhousie University, a Fellowship with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT), and advanced certifications in IMS, acupuncture, diagnostic imaging, and manual therapy techniques. His work focuses on evidence-based rehab, injury reduction, and leveraging sport science analytics to help athletes truly return to performance. Taylor is a Strength and Conditioning Coach and founder of ORKA Performance, with over a decade of elite-level coaching experience across the Premier League, NHL, MLS, CFL, and more. Holding a Master’s in Strength and Conditioning from Edith Cowan University, Taylor brings a high-performance, sport-specific lens to athlete development and is also a coach educator with Canada Soccer. Topics Discussed: Introduction to ORKA Performance and the founders’ backgrounds Their ACL rehabilitation process and overall philosophy Key phases of ACL rehab and metrics used to monitor progress How they are revolutionizing traditional rehab protocols The critical importance of objective testing in return-to-performance decisions Navigating the unique challenges of the Canadian rehab landscape Building a standout strength and conditioning model for post-rehab success Major lessons learned from years of clinical and performance practice Tune in for a deep dive into next-generation rehab and performance strategies that bridge science, therapy, and coaching to build resilient, elite athletes. - Where you can find Travis and Taylor: LinkedIn Instagram X/Twitter Facebook Website -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 184: In this episode of the Athletic Shoulder Podcast, powered by Inform Performance and hosted by Ben Ashworth, we’re joined by Hon. Professor Ian Horsley, a renowned Chartered Physiotherapist and Athlete Health Lead at the UK Sports Institute. With over 25 years of experience in elite sport, Ian has worked with England Rugby, Rugby League, professional football clubs, and was part of Team GB’s HQ physiotherapy team at four Olympic and two Commonwealth Games. Ian is internationally recognized for his expertise in shoulder dysfunction, upper limb rehabilitation, and dysfunctional breathing. He also serves as Clinical Director at Back in Action Rehabilitation and holds an honorary professorship at the University of Salford, where he contributes to the MSc in Sports Rehabilitation program. Topics Discussed: The importance of respiratory health in movement and rehab Assessing thoracic shape and breathing patterns to support shoulder function How cranial nerves and eye movements influence pain and range of motion Using the brain’s activation to enhance rehabilitation exercises Case studies from elite sport showcasing holistic assessment techniques The 'not the shoulder' approach to shoulder treatment The role of proprioception in athlete performance and recovery Innovative methods like sensory input and non-threatening assessments Gaps in current functional and overhead testing for athletes The value of collaborative research in advancing shoulder rehab Tune in for a masterclass in shoulder performance and rehabilitation, combining neuroscience, biomechanics, and decades of elite sport experience. - Where you can find Ian: LinkedIn ResearchGate X/Twitter Back in Action (Rehabilitation) Physiotherapy in Wakefield -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 183: In this episode of the Sports Science Insights Podcast, powered by Inform Performance and hosted by Steve Barrett, we’re joined by Mitch Cholewinski, Coordinator of Football Sports Science at the University of Nebraska. Now in his second season with the Cornhuskers, Mitch plays a key role in collaborating with strength & conditioning, athletic medicine, and coaching staff to monitor workload and enhance athlete performance. Before Nebraska, Mitch served as Associate Director of Applied Sports Science at the University of Texas, where he helped shape data-driven performance systems for the Longhorns' football program. Topics Discussed: What sports science looks like in college football The importance of recovery strategies in a demanding football environment Blood flow restriction training (BFR) – how it’s used and why it matters Tune in for a unique behind-the-scenes look at how sports science is integrated into elite college football programs to maximize athlete performance and recovery. - Where you can find Mitch: •⁠  LinkedIn •⁠ Google Scholar •⁠ X - Sponsors VALD: makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training. Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. Teambuildr: A platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete and client performance data. Teambuildr is a complete platform. Whether you're building your own programming, looking to create custom reports or give athletes a tool for accountability, they've built it out. -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 182: In this episode of the Sport Performance Leadership Podcast host Pete McKnight speaks to Luke Passman, a seasoned performance leader with experience across rugby, tennis, baseball, and football at the elite level. Luke is currently the Head of Performance Sciences – Academy at Chelsea FC, where he oversees S&C, sport science, and nutrition. Luke’s career spans top roles including Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for the New York Mets, where he oversaw player development systems in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, and Head of Sport Science Support at SotoTennis Academy, leading multidisciplinary teams. He’s also a private performance consultant on the WTA Tour, working with players at Grand Slam and WTA 250/500 events. Topics Discussed: Career journey – From coaching in Spain to leadership at the Mets and Chelsea FC Transition to leadership – Moving from S&C delivery to managing multidisciplinary teams Leadership at the Mets – Navigating decentralised systems and empowering staff Strategic performance impact – Leading initiatives like performance scouting for the MLB Draft Learning to lead – Mentorship, reflection, and executive leadership training at Oxford Navigating change – Managing staff and culture through leadership turnover Core leadership principles – Authenticity, clarity, autonomy, and honest feedback Cultural adaptability – Leading across Spain, the U.S., and the UK Future of performance leadership – Data-driven systems, generational shifts, and staff development Advice for aspiring leaders – Be self-aware, seek support, work hard, and own your growth - Where you can find Luke: •⁠  LinkedIn •⁠ Instagram •⁠ X - Sponsors Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. Remaker: The Portable Strength Tracking Ecosystem. Remaker provides real-time insights to optimise your performance, making even the smallest improvements in your strength training visible in an engaging and powerful format. Remakers integrate seamlessly with the exercise equipment you already use, and the app provides meaningful metrics for every rep, of every set, of every exercise. VALD: makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training. -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 181: In this episode of the Inform Performance podcast host Andy McDonald speaks to Dr. Chris Bramah, a leading physiotherapist specializing in running injuries and biomechanics. With vast experience in elite-level sport, Chris has worked with British Athletics and Team GB, supporting endurance athletes at the Tokyo 2020 & Rio 2016 Olympics, the 2017 London World Championships, IAAF Diamond League events, and global altitude training camps. Topics Discussed: The importance of movement quality assessment in injury prevention Sprint technique: Balancing risk vs. reward for performance and injury reduction Understanding the S-MAS (Sprint Mechanics Assessment Score) and its key parameters The workflow of an S-MAS assessment – How it’s used in practice Case studies demonstrating real-world applications of S-MAS Limitations and future directions of sprint mechanics assessment The role of AI in revolutionizing movement analysis Tune in for expert insights into biomechanics, sprint mechanics, and the future of movement assessment in elite sports.   - Where you can find Chris: LinkedIn X (Twitter) Instagram -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. Output: is a faster, cheaper and more efficient way to test, analyze, report and program athletic performance - all in a single platform and sensor. Provide comprehensive performance evaluations with 200+ assessments spanning VBT, strength, power and movement. Validated by 10+ years of scientific research.  -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 180: In this episode of our Sports Science Insights Podcast, powered by Inform Performance, host Steve Barrett speaks to Aman Singh Shergill, Head of Innovation and Performance Scientist for a Premier League & Champions League club. With a background in both applied and academic sport science, Aman is also completing his PhD at the University of Chester, making him a leading expert in technology-driven performance solutions. Topics Discussed: Aman’s journey into sport science and innovation The evolution of sport science and its impact on elite performance The role of technology in modern sport science practice Are we using too much technology? – Finding the right balance The 4 Pillars of implementation for effective tech use in sport The future of technology in sports – Where are we headed? - Where you can find Aman: •⁠  LinkedIn •⁠ ResearchGate •⁠ X - Sponsors VALD: makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training. Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. Teambuildr: A platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete and client performance data. Teambuildr is a complete platform. Whether you're building your own programming, looking to create custom reports or give athletes a tool for accountability, they've built it out. -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 179: In this episode of our Sport Performance Leadership Podcast, host Pete McKnight speaks to Barry Shillabeer, a globally experienced sports performance leader with over two decades in elite sport. As Head of Performance at Aspire Academy of Sporting Excellence in Qatar, Barry leads multidisciplinary teams, optimizing athlete development, strategic planning, and performance evaluation. Previously, Barry played a key role in British high-performance sport, holding leadership positions with the English Institute of Sport, British Swimming, UK Athletics, and the Rugby Football Union. He also served as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Team GB at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics, contributing to legacy facility design and long-term performance strategies. Topics Discussed: Leadership in elite sports performance – Managing high-performance programs in the UK and Qatar The evolution of leadership – Adapting leadership styles to different teams and challenges The importance of human connection and trust – Building strong relationships with athletes, coaches, and staff Organizational structures and processes – Ensuring efficiency in performance support, sport science, and data analytics Transformational leadership and impact – Creating positive sports cultures and inspiring future generations The value of continuous learning – Seeking mentorship, embracing new perspectives, and evolving as a leader Practical advice for aspiring leaders – Technical proficiency, work ethic, and proactive goal-setting Tune in for expert insights on leadership, athlete development, and the future of high-performance sport. - Where you can find Barry: •⁠  LinkedIn •⁠ Instagram •⁠ X - Sponsors Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. Remaker: The Portable Strength Tracking Ecosystem. Remaker provides real-time insights to optimise your performance, making even the smallest improvements in your strength training visible in an engaging and powerful format. Remakers integrate seamlessly with the exercise equipment you already use, and the app provides meaningful metrics for every rep, of every set, of every exercise. VALD: makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training. -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

Episode 178: In this episode of the Athletic Shoulder Podcast, Ben Ashworth sits down with Danny Wilson, a UKSCA accredited Strength & Conditioning Coach with extensive experience in the world of boxing. Danny has worked with hundreds of boxers, ranging from junior amateurs to world champions, and developed the Boxing Science strength and conditioning program. His innovative approach has reached over 10,000 customers worldwide, making a significant impact in the world of combat sports. During this conversation, Danny shares his insights on the critical role of strength and conditioning in boxing, with a particular focus on shoulder health and performance. From the importance of the kinetic chain in delivering powerful punches to addressing the prevalence of shoulder injuries among boxers, Danny dives deep into the essential aspects of conditioning for combat sports. - Topics Discussed  The critical role of strength and conditioning in boxing, focusing on shoulder health and performance Danny's journey into the world of boxing and the importance of the kinetic chain in delivering powerful punches The prevalence of shoulder injuries among boxers The need for individualized testing and training to address specific weaknesses and improve overall performance The intricacies of shoulder-specific training for boxers, with an emphasis on stability and strength Innovative testing methods for assessing punch power The critical role of core strength in enhancing boxing performance The importance of individualized training approaches and future exploration in the field - Where you can find Danny: LinkedIn X (Twitter) Instagram Website -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. Output: is a faster, cheaper and more efficient way to test, analyze, report and program athletic performance - all in a single platform and sensor. Provide comprehensive performance evaluations with 200+ assessments spanning VBT, strength, power and movement. Validated by 10+ years of scientific research.  -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight