Inform Performance

Episode 190: In this episode of the Sports Science Insights Podcast, powered by Inform Performance and hosted by Steve Barrett, we’re joined by Dr. Jamie Salter, a researcher and applied sport scientist currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at York St John University. Jamie’s work focuses on training load management in youth athletes, with a particular emphasis on growth, maturation, and injury risk. Drawing from both academic research and applied experience, he explores how practitioners can better support developing athletes through tailored strategies that align with biological age rather than chronological age. Topics Discussed: Jamie’s background and journey into youth sport science The relationship between injuries and maturation in young athletes Managing training load across different maturity statuses An introduction to and practical insights on Bio-Banding This episode is essential for coaches, practitioners, and researchers working in youth development and long-term athlete performance planning.   - Where you can find Dave: •⁠  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 189: In this episode of the Sports Science Insights Podcast, powered by Inform Performance and hosted by Steve Barrett, we’re joined by Dave Carolan, a highly experienced Head of Performance, strategy advisor, and entrepreneur, currently leading the first team performance program at Derby County. With over 30 years in elite professional sport, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge on the evolution of performance departments, athlete monitoring, and the changing landscape of sport science. From his early days pioneering innovation in football to his current strategic leadership role, Dave offers both historical context and forward-thinking insight. Topics Discussed: The evolution of performance departments in elite sport How internal and external load monitoring has changed over three decades What innovation looked like in the early days of sport science Why players today are playing fewer games than 10–20 years ago This is a must-listen for practitioners, coaches, and leaders seeking to understand the past, present, and future of performance strategy in elite sport. - Where you can find Dave: •⁠  LinkedIn •⁠ Website •⁠ 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 188: In this episode of the Inform Performance Podcast, Andy McDonald is joined by Stephanie Grubbs, a Strength & Conditioning Coach and Sport Scientist currently working with the Houston Astros in Major League Baseball. With prior experience across top-tier programs including the University of Pittsburgh, Clemson Athletics, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Stephanie brings a diverse and practical perspective on applied sport science in elite sport. In this conversation, Stephanie shares her journey through high-performance environments and reflects on the strategies, systems, and relationships that have shaped her approach to athlete development. Topics Discussed: The evolution of sports science in the U.S. high-performance landscape Building strong relationships and implementing impactful ideas Designing effective systems and processes in sports science programs The use of microdosing in strength training Adapting training methods to the unique demands of baseball The importance of intent and communication in daily training Exploring innovative recovery strategies Thoughts on career development and mentorship in elite sport Whether you're a coach, practitioner, or sports science student, this episode delivers valuable insights into optimizing performance support in team sports. - Where you can find Stephanie: 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.  -  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 187: 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

Episode 186: 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