
Inform Performance
The Inform Perform Podcast is an industry show focussed on Sports Performance and Sports Medicine. The show interviews thought leaders and professionals that support elite athletes and teams. The aim of the show is to deconstruct the strategies and philosophies the guests utilise in their working environment or area of expertise. Featured guests have worked across the NBA, NFL, MLB, F1, World title Boxing, EPL and more.
Latest episodes

Aug 12, 2024 • 57min
Alan Murdoch - A Speed-Based Approach to Rehab and Training (Elevate Speed & Rehab)
Episode 150: Dr Andy McDonald chats to Alan Murdoch. Alan Murdoch is Founder and Head Coach at Elevate: Speed & Rehab. Elevate are an end stage rehab consultancy, specialising in helping elite athletes return from long term injuries better than ever. Prior to this, Alan was Head Coach at Speedworks Bath. Having spent almost a decade in professional rugby union, specialising in speed and agility development and rehabilitation. In this conversation Alan and Andy discuss Alan's approach to rehab and using objective tools to guide his process.
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Topics Discussed
Fast-to-Fit rehab approach
Key principles in rehab
No pain
No response
Prepare with purpose
Forgotten heroes
Using Rehab Frameworks
Practical objective markers in rehab
Assessing movement skill
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Where you can find Alan:
Instagram
X (Twitter)
Website
Fast > Fit Course - 10% Discount Code "andyoutput"
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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
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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.
Output Sports: 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.
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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
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Our Team
Andy McDonald
Ben Ashworth
Alistair McKenzie
Dylan Carmody

Jul 16, 2024 • 38min
Research Unpacked: Dan Lorenz - Mechanisms and Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
Episode 149: In this Research Unpacked Episode from Inform Performance, Dylan Carmody chats to Dan Lorenz, DPT, PT, ATC, LAT, CSCS. s the director of sports medicine at Lawrence Memorial Hospital/OrthoKS in Lawrence, KS. He has served as a rehabilitation consultant for numerous local sports teams, including Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Mavericks, and also many local colleges, including MidAmerica Nazarene University and University of Missouri-Kansas City. In this episode Dylan and Dan discuss Individualized Treatment Approaches in Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training.
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Topics Discussed
Implementing Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
Mechanisms and Benefits of BFR Training
Training to Failure in BFR
Safety Considerations and Best Practices for BFR
Individualized Treatment Approaches in BFR
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Where you can find Dan
Linkedin
X (Twitter)
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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.
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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.
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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

Jun 12, 2024 • 51min
Research Unpacked: Filippo Picinini - Quantifying Workload in On-Field Rehab after ACL Reconstruction (Isokinetic)
Episode 148: In this Research Unpacked Episode from Inform Performance, Alistair McKenzie chats to Filippo Picinini MSc, MS. Filippo is a Rehab and Performance coach Currently employed as Head of late-stage rehabilitation and Sport science at Isokinetic Medical Group London. His areas of expertise are ACL and Hamstring injuries in football players and he is completing a part-time PhD in workload management and RTP in football players recovering from long-term injuries with St Mary’s University, Twickenham. In this conversation, Ally interviews Filippo Picinini about his research on workload quantification during on-field rehab with football players after ACL reconstruction.
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Topics Discussed
Objective on-field rehab
The Importance of Deceleration Workload in ACL Rehab
Challenges of replicating high-intensity deceleration in rehab
Quantifying Workload in On-Field Rehab after ACL Reconstruction
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Where you can find Filippo
LinkedIn
Research Gate
Instagram
Isokinetic
X (Twitter)
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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.
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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.
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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

Jun 4, 2024 • 58min
James King - Preparing for Pressure & Democratising Access to Psychological Skills
Episode 147: Dr Andy McDonald chats to James King. James holds a first class degree in Applied Sports Science, and an MSc in Performance Psychology, both from the University of Edinburgh. James has counselled government agencies and specialist military units. He also provides guidance to coaches, managers and athletes within the English Premier League (EPL), Team GB, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) and has presented case studies on his work for the MBA programs at the University of Oxford, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In this conversation, James and Andy discuss the importance and application of psychological skills in sports performance
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Topics Discussed
Assessing Performance in Sports Psychology
Personalising Development
Bouncing Back: Recovering Quickly from Setbacks
Understanding the Problem Before Implementing Solutions
Democratizing Access to Psychological Skills
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Where you can find James:
Instagram
X (Twitter)
Website
Book
Podcast
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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
-
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

May 20, 2024 • 57min
Research Unpacked: Snehal Patel - The Evolution of Rehabilitation & Return to Sport Following Cartilage Surgery
Episode 146: In this Research Unpacked Episode from Inform Performance, Dr Dylan Carmody chats to Snehal Patel the Clinical Supervisor for Sports Rehabilitation at Hospital for Special Surgery NYC. The main focus of the conversation is on his paper titled 'The Evolution of Rehabilitation and Return to Sport Following Cartilage Surgery.' Snay explains the differences between operative and non-operative management of cartilage injuries and the importance of strength training in the rehabilitation process. Snay also discusses BFR, the psychological aspect of returning to sport and the use of force plate testing and motion capture to assess jump height, landing mechanics, and force attenuation.
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Topics Discussed
Operative vs. Non-Operative Management of Cartilage Injuries
Range of Motion & Loading Progressions in Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
Psychological Aspect of Returning to Sport
Assessing Jump Height, Landing Mechanics & Force Attenuation
Staying Updated on Emerging Surgical Techniques
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Where you can find Snehal:
:
LinkedIn
Research Gate
Instagram
SportsRehabLab
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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.
-
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

May 7, 2024 • 1h 4min
Rich Willy - Bone Stress Injury Rehab (Montana Running Lab’s Scientist & Educator)
Episode 145: Dr Andy McDonald chats to Rich Willy from Montana Running Lab. Rich is an internationally known speaker on the treatment of running-related injuries who has more than 20 years’ experience as a PT. His expertise is in treating runners of all ages and ability levels, including professional and elite runners. Rich’s research aims to develop clinically effective treatments for common running-related injuries, such as patellofemoral pain, Achilles tendon injuries, and bone stress injuries. In this episode Rich and Andy discuss how Rich manages and rehabs LE bone stress injuries.
Topics Discussed
Bone Stress Injury detection
Rehab progressions
Signs of rehab success
BSI loading according to structure
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Where you can find Rich:
Instagram
X (Twitter)
Montana Running Lab
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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
-
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

Apr 26, 2024 • 52min
David Grey - Movement Competency for the Foot, Ankle & Achilles Complex
David Grey, a top Rehab Coach, discusses training considerations for the foot & ankle, connection between foot and hip, movement competency in Achilles function, and importance of movement coaching. They explore assessment techniques, training considerations, and optimizing movement skills beyond testing. The conversation emphasizes the significance of foot shape changes for proper movement potential and the role of coaches in enhancing athletic performance.

Apr 17, 2024 • 54min
Stephania Bell: The Complexity of Surface Selection (ESPN Injury Analyst & Senior Writer)
Episode 143: Dr Andy McDonald chats to Stephania Bell an Injury Analyst & Senior Writer for ESPN. Stephania is a license Physical Therapist, board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist emeritus and certified strength and conditioning specialist with an extensive clinical background prior to joining ESPN. In this conversation, Stephania discusses the importance of interdisciplinary experience in the field of sports medicine. She also dives into the ongoing debate on turf as a playing surface, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the need for more research. The conversation emphasises the importance of considering player feedback, performance, safety, and fiscal factors when selecting a playing surface.
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Topics Discussed
Transition to Media and ESPN
Finding the best 3rd party practitioners
The complexity of surface selection
Objective assessment of playing surface
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Where you can find Stephania:
Instagram
X
Turf Article
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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
-
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

Apr 9, 2024 • 55min
Research Unpacked: Colin Griffin - Achilles Injury Rehab & Lower Limb Biomechanics
Episode 142: In this Research Unpacked Episode from Inform Performance, Dr Dylan Carmody chats to Colin Griffin, a Strength and Conditioning Coach and lower limb Rehabilitation Specialist. In this episode they discuss Colins work at the UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic and his experience as an elite athlete. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous professional development in his clinic. Griffin explains his assessment process for Achilles tendon issues, considering factors such as the patient's background, training history, and goals. He also discusses the use of isokinetic testing and alternative testing setups. Griffin provides insights into the gastrocnemius run out and the tensile demands placed on tendons and muscles during various activities and explores various aspects of Achilles tendon rehabilitation.
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Topics Discussed
Pathoanatomy
Force profiling with IKD, Force Plates, HHD
Realistic achilles loads
Plyometric exercises for the achilles
Achilles tendinopathy assessment
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Where you can find Colin:
LinkedIn
X (Twitter)
Instagram
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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.
-
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

Mar 28, 2024 • 51min
Luke Passman - Flexible Leadership & Performance Modeling (New York Mets Strength & Conditioning Coordinator)
Episode 141: Dr Andy McDonald chats to Luke Passman. Luke has over 13 years of experience working within multidisciplinary teams and has led departments in multiple sports, across various countries and cultures. These include professional Baseball, elite level Tennis and Rugby Union, in the USA, Dominican Republic, Spain and England. Most recently Luke has been the New York Mets Strength & Conditioning Coordinator requiring him to lead a team of 11 coaches, working with 7 teams across the USA and Dominican Republic.
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In this conversation, Luke discusses his approach to developing coaches and setting department goals. He emphasizes the importance of day-to-day interactions and listening to coaches' needs. Luke highlights the significance of having clear department goals and aligning individual roles with the collective purpose. He then explains the process of performance modeling and identifying key metrics for performance in different sports. He then emphasizes the need for a robust framework and statistical analysis to determine the physical determinants of performance. Finally he discusses how he organizes his thoughts for programming and the balance between training for capacity and training for transfer
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Topics Discussed
Leadership
Listening as a leader
Flexible leadership
Goal setting/reviewing
Performance Modelling
Identifying what matters
Aligning game metrics & physical metrics
Capacity v training transfer
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Where you can find Luke:
Instagram
LinkedIn
X
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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
-
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