VALDCAST

In this episode of the VALDCast, we sit down with Associate Professor at La Trobe University Dr. Lachlan James — sports scientist, consultant, and founder of ForceLab — to decode one of the most misunderstood areas in performance: strength domains.With modern technology offering hundreds of data points from a single jump or lift, practitioners might find themselves monitoring too many metrics. Lachlan explains how to cut through the noise by identifying five domains of strength — from reactive ability to heavy dynamic force — and how each maps to real performance outcomes.We explore:✅ Why many metrics inside a single test are telling you the same story✅ How to decide which data matters most for your sport or athlete✅ The art of “zooming in” and “zooming out” when tracking progress✅ A framework for linking gym-based testing to key performance indicators✅ The future of strength science — and why smarter simplicity winsWhether you're a coach, physio, sports scientist or an athlete obsessed with improvement, this conversation gives you a practical blueprint for turning strength testing into meaningful action.Tune in to learn how to build a performance model that works with athletes and practitioners alike, optimizing time, attention and resources.

Our guest today is Dr. Phil Graham-Smith, Reader in Biomechanics and Innovation at Manchester Metropolitan University and co-founder of ForceDecks.Ryan and Phil discuss the origins of ForceDecks, how far it's come since Phil and Dan Cohen first joined up to create the product, the concepts of validity and reliability in force plate testing, and the importance of applying scientific principles in real-world settings. Phil also shares insights from decades in elite sport and biomechanics, highlighting what truly matters in test selection and how practitioners can avoid overcomplicating force plate data.The conversation explores the evolution of ForceDecks from early prototypes to more than ten thousand systems worldwide, the pitfalls of overhyped metrics, and the philosophy behind measuring what actually matters for athlete performance.

In this engaging conversation, orthopedic surgeons Dr. Catherine Logan and Dr. Ivan Wong explore how objective measurement is revolutionizing surgical rehabilitation. Catherine, a former physical therapist, emphasizes the importance of data in patient recovery and how it redefines surgical readiness. Ivan highlights collaboration between surgeons and therapists, showcasing the role of technology in enhancing patient outcomes. They discuss the vital impact of measurable goals on patient engagement and the future of personalized rehabilitation through innovative data-driven techniques.

"We shouldn't treat the MRI, we want to treat our athletes."In this episode, Roula Kotsifaki discusses her recent research on ACL recovery, emphasizing the evolving perspectives in rehabilitation. She highlights the importance of balancing tissue healing with performance metrics, the significance of objective criteria for return to sport, and the need to focus on performance rather than solely on injury prevention. Roula also addresses the complexities of defining re-injury and the role of objective data in guiding rehabilitation practices.Episode SummaryRoula Kotsifaki is head of the assessment unit at Aspetar, a world-leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospitalThe pendulum of ACL recovery perspectives has shifted over the years, emphasizing the need for ongoing research.Tissue healing timelines do not always correlate with performance readiness for athletes.Objective criteria for return to sport should focus on individual athlete metrics rather than strict timelines.Vertical jump testing may provide better insights into readiness than traditional horizontal hop tests.Progress in rehabilitation directly correlates with the chances of returning to pivoting sports.Defining re-injury is complex and should consider the context of the injury.Objective data is crucial for guiding rehabilitation but should not be the sole focus.Athletes need to understand that passing tests does not guarantee they won't get injured again.🔗 Connect with Roula on social media in the links below:InstagramXLinkedIn🎙️ Hosted by Dylan Carmody🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD HEALTH websiteIf you'd like to get in touch with VALD HEALTH Click HerePlease leave us a review wherever you get your podcast fix.

Our guest today is Stephanie Mock Grubbs, Assistant Major League Strength & Conditioning Coach at the Houston Astros.Ryan and Stephanie discuss the transition from collegiate to professional sports, focusing on the role of a strength & conditioning coach in elite athlete performance. Stephanie shares her experience at The University of Pittsburgh and the Houston Astros, emphasizing the importance of communication within multidisciplinary teams and the challenges of managing training and recovery in a demanding Major League Baseball schedule. The discussion highlights the need for adaptability in training approaches and the significance of fostering a culture of collaboration and problem-solving in sports performance. Stephanie discusses her insights as a strength & conditioning coach in professional baseball, focusing on the importance of adaptability in training routines, the integration of technology in training and recovery, the significance of data-driven decision-making, and the evolving landscape of recovery strategies. Episode SummaryHouston Astros forward-thinking approach in sports science.The importance of relationships in performance teams.Transitioning from a generalist to a specialist role.Balancing adaptation and fatigue in training.Shared facilities can enhance athlete motivation.Systemizing training across multiple sports.Every day is game day in professional sports.Recovery strategies are crucial for athlete performance.Adaptability is crucial in training; having multiple plans is essential.Data analytics in MLB helps inform training and recovery decisions.Recovery strategies must be tailored to individual athlete needs.Education and communication with athletes enhances buy-in for recovery methods.Utilizing technology can enhance training effectiveness and recovery monitoring.🔗 Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn HERE🎙️ Get in touch with our host Ryan McLaughlin HERE🌐 Find out more about VALD HERE

In this episode of VALDCAST, host Dylan Carmody chats with Dr. Stacie Barber who shares her journey as a physical therapist and the unique approach she takes in her practice, The Physio Fix. We discuss the evolution of her social media presence, how she amassed nearly 1 million followers (Check out her instagram HERE), her personal experience with injuries, particularly her achilles and how technology has transformed rehabilitation practices. Stacie emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care, the value of personal experience in treatment, and her innovative practice model that combines physical therapy with strength & conditioning. We get some great advice for future clinicians, with Stacie encouraging them to follow their instincts and create their own paths in the field.Episode SummaryDr. Stacie Barber owns a unique physical therapy facility that blends traditional rehab with sstrength & conditioning.Social media has played a significant role in her practice growth and patient engagement.Personal experience with injury informs her approach as a clinician.Advancements in technology have revolutionized rehabilitation practices, including the use of blood flow restriction.Patient-centered care is crucial for building trust and improving outcomes.Stacie's approach to rehab is informed by ongoing research and evidence-based practices.She emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment plans over cookie-cutter protocols.Stacie's practice model offers one-on-one care, which is often lacking in traditional settings.Her journey highlights the importance of following one's passion and instincts in the healthcare field.🔗 Connect with Stacie on INSTAGRAM🌐 Check out The Physio Fix in Phoenix HERE🎙️ Hosted by Dylan Carmody🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD HEALTH websiteIf you'd like to get in touch with VALD HEALTH Click Here

In this conversation with Dylan, Nicol van Dyk shares his extensive journey in sports medicine, highlighting his experiences at Aspetar and the evolution of technology in the field.He discusses the importance of injury prevention, the role of normative data, and how to build comprehensive player profiles. Nicol emphasizes the need for context in data interpretation and the significance of communication and collaboration among sports medicine professionals. We also cover off insights on the future of data in sports medicine and the importance of curiosity and adaptability in the field.🔗 Connect with Nicol van Dyk on LinkedIn🎙️ Hosted by Dylan Carmody🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD HEALTH websiteIf you'd like to get in touch with VALD HEALTH click here

In this episode, Shaun Owen shares his journey from South Africa to Boston, discussing his transition from rugby to baseball and the key differences in athlete training and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of individualization in recovery strategies, the role of technology in sports science, and the understanding of fatigue in athletes.Shaun also highlights the significance of building a multidisciplinary team and the future of innovation in sports science. Ryan hits Shaun with some quickfire questions at the end of the podcasts revealing his insights on the industry.🔗Connect with Shaun on LinkedIn HERE🎙️Get in touch with our host Ryan McLaughlin HERE🌐 Find out more about VALD HERE

The growth journey of ORKA Performance is something special. In today's VALDCAST Ryan covers off the transition from practitioners to business owners and the importance of building a feedback culture.The guys have navigated the complexities of rehab to performance transitions, And focus on the key components of building and maintaining a strong culture at ORKA, a performance-based rehab facility. Taylor and Travis share their experiences, challenges, and insights on leadership, team dynamics, and the significance of athlete outcomes in their practice. We cover off the importance of creating an environment where athletes can connect and grow, the role of leadership in shaping culture, and the necessity of being selective about clients and staff to preserve that culture.🔗Connect with ORKA HERE🎙️Get in touch with our host Ryan McLaughlin HERE🌐 Find out more about VALD HERE

Derek Hansen shares his extensive experience in sports science, where he focusses on timing systems, coaching methodologies, and the differences in athletic training between Canada and the USA. We discusses the evolution of timing technology, the importance of understanding athlete performance metrics, and the challenges faced in professional sports, including injury prevention and management.  They also explore the differences in training environments between Canada and America, the work ethic of elite athletes, and the rise of Achilles injuries in the NFL.🔗Connect with Derek Hansen on LinkedIn🎙️Get in touch with our host Ryan McLaughlin HERE🌐 Find out more about VALD HEREVALD technology is used and trusted in high performance organizations around the world to measure, manage and improve teams’ and athletes’ strength, power, movement, balance, asymmetry and more.