
Strength In Knowledge
Join the R2P Academy team for in-depth and candid discussions on best practices, current concepts, and discussions on relevant topics in the world of physical therapy and rehabilitation.The host for the Strength In Knowledge Podcast is Dr. Zach Baker, the Chief Clinical Officer at Rehab 2 Perform and member of the R2P Academy.
Latest episodes

Jul 2, 2025 • 13min
Heatstroke on the Front Lines: Emergency Care That Saves Lives
In this episode of Strength In Knowledge, we turn up the heat—literally. As global temperatures rise and exertional heat illnesses become more common, knowing how to manage heatstroke effectively is critical for healthcare professionals and performance specialists alike.We break down the evidence-based protocols highlighted in the research by Caitlin Rublee and her team, exploring how emergency departments can—and should—respond swiftly to heatstroke. From rapid cooling techniques to systemic treatment decisions, we highlight the key takeaways that every clinician, coach, and rehab pro should know.🔥 Whether you're on the sideline, in the clinic, or prepping your athletes for extreme environments, this episode delivers essential strategies to recognize and respond to one of the most dangerous medical emergencies: heatstroke.Evidence-Based Heatstroke Management in the Emergency Department Caitlin Rublee, MD, MPH, Caleb Dresser, MD, Catharina Giudice, MD, Jay Lemery, MD, Cecilia Sorensen, MD PMCID: PMC7972371 /PMID: 33856299

Jun 25, 2025 • 13min
Core Strength Decoded: Measuring Power for Rehab and Performance
In this episode of Strength In Knowledge, we break down the science of core performance with insights from Erika Zemková’s research on strength and power-related assessments. Core muscles do more than just support your posture—they’re pivotal in athletic performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. But how do we measure their effectiveness?We explore how Zemková’s study sheds light on the most relevant and practical ways to evaluate core muscle strength and power in both clinical and sports settings. Whether you're rehabbing an athlete or optimizing performance on the field, this episode provides actionable insights into integrating core assessments into your training or therapy protocols.🎯 Listen in as we discuss what makes a strong core truly functional—and how you can assess it with purpose.Strength and Power-Related Measures in Assessing Core Muscle Performance in Sport and RehabilitationErika ZemkováPMCID: PMC9108269 PMID: 35586718

Jun 23, 2025 • 15min
Jump Tests & Elbow Injuries: Unexpected Insights from the Mound
In this episode of Strength In Knowledge, we step off the mound and into the lab to explore a surprising connection: how lower body jump performance might predict elbow injuries in professional baseball pitchers. Based on the intriguing study by Mayberry, Mullen, and Murayama, we break down how biomechanics and asymmetries seen in jump tests could flag potential risks for UCL injuries.From kinetic chain theory to practical screening tools, we discuss the implications of this research for strength coaches, rehab specialists, and anyone involved in the performance care of throwing athletes. Could a vertical jump really tell you something about elbow health? Turns out—it might.⚾💥 Tune in to rethink how we assess risk and build resilience in overhead athletes, starting from the ground up.What Can a Jump Tell Us About Elbow Injuries in Professional Baseball Pitchers?John Mayberry, Scott Mullen, Scott MurayamaPMID: 32119563 DOI: 10.1177/0363546520905543

Jun 18, 2025 • 15min
Backpacks and Back Pain
In this episode of Strength In Knowledge, we dive into the fascinating world of ergonomics and product design through the lens of groundbreaking research on backpack development. Join us as we unpack the study by Mohamed Z. Ramadan and Sultan N. Al-Tayyar, who explored how to engineer a backpack that reduces strain, improves posture, and enhances comfort for users across different age groups and physical demands.From design theory to real-world testing, we explore how their ergonomic innovations aim to minimize the musculoskeletal risks associated with traditional backpacks—especially relevant for students, commuters, and healthcare professionals alike. Whether you’re a physical therapist, strength coach, or simply someone tired of shoulder pain, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.📚 Tune in to learn how small design changes can lead to big benefits for body mechanics and long-term health.Development and Experimental Verification of an Ergonomic BackpackMohamed Z. Ramadan and Sultan N. Al-TayyarNLM UID: 101600173/DOI: 10.1155/2020/1437126

Jun 11, 2025 • 10min
Return To Sport Testing For The Upper Body
In this episode of Strength in Knowledge, we dive into the science and strategy behind return-to-sport testing for the upper body. From overhead athletes to contact sport competitors, upper body readiness is critical—but how do we truly know when an athlete is ready?We break down current best practices, objective measures, functional testing protocols, and the clinical reasoning that goes into making safe, evidence-based return-to-play decisions.Whether you're a rehab professional, coach, or athlete, this episode will equip you with the insights you need to approach upper body return-to-sport testing with confidence and clarity.

Jun 4, 2025 • 11min
What Really Matters In Your Career?
In this thought-provoking episode of Strength in Knowledge, we cut through the noise to talk about what actually matters when it comes to building a fulfilling, successful career. It’s not just about job titles, salaries, or climbing the corporate ladder — it’s about purpose, growth, and alignment with your values.We explore how to define success on your own terms, the role of relationships and resilience, and why long-term satisfaction often comes from the things that don’t show up on a résumé.Whether you're just starting out or re-evaluating your path, this episode offers clarity, inspiration, and actionable takeaways to help you focus on what truly counts.

May 28, 2025 • 14min
Playing Golf After Hip Surgery
In this episode of Strength in Knowledge, we break down the findings from the systematic review "Return to Golf After Hip Arthroscopy" by Jake X. Checketts and colleagues. We explore how hip arthroscopy affects golfers, what the current literature reveals about recovery timelines, return-to-play rates, and key factors that influence a successful return to the game.Whether you're a clinician, athlete, or golf enthusiast curious about the intersection of orthopedic surgery and sports performance, this episode brings clarity to a topic that’s increasingly relevant.🎧 Tune in for evidence-based insights, expert takeaways, and what this means for golfers aiming to get back on the green after hip surgery.Return to Golf After Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review of the LiteratureJake X Checketts 1,Olivia Panchal 2, B Joshua Stephens 3, Amar Patel 4, Conner Howard 5, Tyler Hunt 6, Arjun

May 21, 2025 • 12min
Secrets To Landing Your First Job!
In this one, we're diving deep into the essential steps you need to take to land your very first job. From prioritizing your questions during the interview process to reflecting on what's truly meaningful, we’re sharing practical strategies, insider tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're fresh out of school or making a career pivot, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to navigate the job market like a pro. Don’t just apply—*stand out*. Let’s get you hired.

May 15, 2025 • 12min
Functional Testing to Predict Adductor Injury
In this episode, Dr. Tyler Betteridge discusses his recent review of an artile about adductor injuries and the develoipment of a functional test to identify the likelihood of injury based on its results.The article discusses the BAPT adductor test, which did show correlation of lower scores and increased injury risk. Scores below 33 reps resulted in a 20% higher likelihood of adductor injury.Listen to hear more about this study!Article:de Queiroz JHM, Frota JP, Dos Reis FA, de Oliveira RR. Development and Predictive Validation of the Brazilian Adductor Performance Test for Estimating the Chance of Hip Adductor Injuries in Elite Soccer Athletes. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2023 Apr 20;18(6):653-659. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0306. PMID: 37080542.

May 7, 2025 • 11min
Getting the Most Out of CEUs
In this episode, Dr. Zach Baker and Dr. Corrie Jones talk through tips for getting the most out of attending a CEU course. They dive into:When you want to learn about a new topicChallenging yourself to reframe a topic in a new lightSeeing things from a new perspectiveThe benefit of networkingWays to prep for a courseLearning new things on familiar topicsHear about some strategies to ensure you're not just wasting your time and money, but instead, really using these courses as ways to grow either clinically or professionally!