We Do Performance - A Sport Science Podcast

Explore the fascinating world of VO2 and VO2 Max, uncovering their crucial role in sports performance. The hosts discuss the varying accuracy of testing methods and the importance of skilled technicians. Delve into the nuances of muscle oxygen utilization and how recovery plays a pivotal role in athletic success. They emphasize that VO2 max scores might not be the ultimate performance predictor for every athlete, prompting a reevaluation of training approaches for better outcomes.

In this episode of the We Do Performance podcast, Ed Lee, a seasoned performance coach at Harlequins, shares his journey in rugby and the evolution of strength and conditioning practices. He discusses the importance of individualized training, the role of acceleration in athlete performance, and the psychological benefits of sprint training. Ed emphasizes the need for freshness over fitness in training schedules and how sprinting can serve as both a training tool and a screening method for athletes. The conversation highlights the challenges and realities of training elite athletes and the continuous adaptation required in coaching methods. In this conversation, Ed and the team delve into the complexities of physiological limiters in athletic performance, focusing on the distinctions between central and peripheral limitations. They explore the use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) as a tool for understanding muscle function and performance metrics. The discussion highlights the importance of data-driven insights in training, particularly in rugby, where conditioning strategies must adapt to the demands of the sport. The conversation also touches on the significance of scrum and mauling in conditioning, the art of pushing athletic limits, and the need for a comprehensive understanding of conditioning to enhance overall performance.Keywordsrugby, performance coaching, strength and conditioning, athlete training, acceleration training, sports science, team sports, training adaptation, psychological benefits, individualized training, physiological limiters, central limitations, peripheral limitations, NIRS, athletic training, performance improvement, scrum conditioning, mauling, data-driven insights, conditioning strategies

Bill Smart, a seasoned Strength and Conditioning coach known for training UFC athletes, shares his insights into the evolution of performance science in combat sports. He discusses the unique attributes of BMX athletes, emphasizing their mental toughness and technical skills. Bill also highlights the significance of needs analysis in optimizing training, explores the role of muscle oxygenation, and reveals innovative testing protocols, including the use of red sensor technology to enhance athletic performance.

Explore the fascinating world of Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) and its role in measuring muscle oxygenation. Discover the pros and cons of popular sensors like the Moxie, along with tips for optimal placement and best practices. Learn about the challenges of gathering reliable data in athletic settings, and how innovative apps enhance performance monitoring. Dive into techniques for securing devices with tape and the impact of tattoos on measuring adipose tissue, all to unlock the secrets of muscle performance.

Join Dr John Babraj and Dr Andrew Usher as they dive into the world of high performance and sport science. In this episode they delve into mitochondria, along with Sprint Interval Training, their research into mitochondrial adaptations, NIRS and what ramifications mitochondrial adaptations have for sport and exercise.