In this episode, Jack and John discuss the concept of neuropathic pain, specifically pain associated with nerve root compression. They explore the different types of neuropathic pain and the confusion surrounding its classification. They also discuss the role of peripheral tissue in generating and influencing pain, as well as the potential for central sensitization. The hosts propose the idea of classifying neuropathic pain based on the affected tissue and suggest that addressing peripheral tiss...
May 05, 2024•43 min
In this episode of the Melbourne Athletic Development Podcast, we are joined by Professor Louise Burke, a leading sports dietitian and the chair of sports nutrition at the Mary McKillop Institute for Health Research. Louise discusses her work with athletes to academia and the importance of research embedded training camps. We discuss her findings from numerous studies on the ketogenic diet and its impact on performance. Despite the popularity of the keto diet, Professor Burke's research shows th...
Apr 28, 2024•1 hr 32 min
Summary In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of applying progressive stress to improve performance. They discuss the idea that without continually challenging the body and mind, performance will stagnate or decline. They draw parallels between this concept and the aging process, suggesting that aging may be a result of not providing enough progressive stress to maintain cellular function. They also question whether there is a known ceiling to performance or if it is simply a matter of ...
Apr 21, 2024•53 min
Dr. Suzanna Russell discusses mental fatigue and its impact on human performance. Mental fatigue is defined as a psychobiological state induced by prolonged demanding cognitive activity. It can be measured subjectively, behaviorally, and neurophysiologically. The research shows that mental fatigue can negatively impact endurance-based performance and technical and tactical aspects of performance. Individual differences in susceptibility to mental fatigue exist, and factors such as occupational d...
Apr 14, 2024•52 min
Dr. Manuela Besomi discusses the use of electromyography (EMG) in measuring muscle activity and its limitations. She explains that EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles and can provide information about muscle firing, patterns of activity, and synergies. However, it cannot directly measure force or physical properties of tissues. Dr. Besomi also emphasizes the importance of proper experimental design and interpretation of EMG data to avoid misleading results and flawed clinical recomme...
Apr 07, 2024•54 min
Summary Dr. Sarah O'Reilly Harbage, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in complex arthroplasty and limb salvage, discusses the challenges and rewards of her unique field. She explains the historical background of surgeon titles and the transition from Mr./Ms. to Doctor. Dr. Harbage emphasizes the importance of principles in surgical approaches and the need for different skillsets in healthcare. She shares her personal evolution as a doctor and the balance between personal and professional life. ...
Mar 31, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Summary In this episode, Dr. Philip Bellinger discusses his research on muscle fiber typology and its implications for performance and training. He explains the limitations to performance and the physiological factors that influence it. Dr. Bellinger also explores the role of periodization and training approaches in optimizing performance. He introduces a non-invasive method for quantifying muscle fiber typology and discusses its practical applications. Additionally, he examines the correlation ...
Mar 24, 2024•57 min
Summary In this episode of the Melbourne Athletic Development Podcast, Dr. Tim Gabbett discusses his background as a sports scientist and his work with elite and professional athletes. He explains the development of the acute to chronic workload ratio research and its practical application in training and injury prevention. Dr. Gabbett emphasizes the importance of a research-practice cycle and the limitations of relying solely on research in evidence-based practice. He also discusses the role of...
Mar 17, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Summary In this episode, Sam Toll discusses the causes of running injuries, the importance of managing training volume, and the individualization of training for different types of distance runners. He emphasizes the consideration of muscle fiber typology and the need to adapt training to an athlete's specific profile. Sam also highlights the variation in training volume for similar performances and the importance of determining the appropriate training stress before an event. He discusses the n...
Mar 10, 2024•53 min
Summary Dr. Chris Gaviglio discusses his background in strength and conditioning and his introduction to blood flow restriction (BFR) training. He explains the physiological mechanisms of BFR, including metabolic stress, anabolic hormones, intramuscular signaling, and muscle fiber recruitment. Dr. Gaviglio also explores the hormonal effects of BFR and its application in high-performance training. He emphasizes the importance of individualization and gradual progression when implementing BFR and ...
Mar 03, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Summary Professor Kevin Miller discusses the pathophysiology and treatment of muscle cramping. He debunks the commonly held belief that dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are the primary causes of cramping. Instead, he proposes a multifactorial theory that takes into account factors such as fatigue, pain, genetics, and psychological stress. Stretching is an effective treatment for cramps, but it does not prevent them. Identifying an individual's cramp recipe and targeting specific factors can...
Feb 25, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Summary This episode explores the evolution of professional practice and how clinicians' perspectives change over time. The conversation delves into the importance of identifying the signal from the noise and applying Occam's razor to simplify decision-making. The speakers discuss the need to transition from focusing on the what to understanding the why behind a patient's condition. They also emphasize the value of critiquing and evolving approaches, embracing diversity of thought, and moving fr...
Feb 18, 2024•52 min
Summary In this episode, Sam, a new graduated physiotherapist and distance runner, joins the Melbourne Athletic Development Podcast. He discusses his background and unique skills, including his experience with distance running and footwear. The conversation covers topics such as transitioning to marathon distance, training schedules for marathon runners, understanding training zones, challenges in marathon running, nutrition for marathon runners, and the importance of strength and conditioning. ...
Feb 11, 2024•59 min
Summary In this episode, Professor John Hawley discusses the influence of different universities on knowledge, the importance of broadening horizons, and the challenges of communicating ideas and knowledge. He also shares insights on resolving scientific disagreements and the polarizing views on the ketogenic diet. Additionally, he explores the benefits of time-restricted eating and discusses nutritional considerations for sprint athletes. The episode concludes with a discussion on the potential...
Feb 04, 2024•49 min
Summary The conversation explores the concept of transfer of training and the evidence behind it. The hosts discuss the importance of specificity and caution against overgeneralizing the transfer of training. They highlight the need to consider individual athlete profiles and the minimum standards of performance in developing physical characteristics. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of general physical development in youth and the potential negative impact of over-specialization....
Jan 28, 2024•50 min
Summary In this episode, Professor Gregory Haff discusses the concept of periodization and its effectiveness in training. He emphasizes the importance of practical coaching and real-world application in research. The conversation also delves into the debates surrounding periodization and the need to consider historical literature. The topic of rate of force development is explored, including different methods of measurement and their implications. The episode concludes with a discussion on the r...
Jan 21, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Summary This conversation explores the different approaches to programming for speed training, particularly in sprinters. The hosts discuss the importance of categorizing sprinters based on their individual profiles, including muscle typology and training history. They emphasize the need to consider an athlete's strengths and weaknesses when designing a speed program. The conversation also delves into the relationship between training volume, intensity, and injury risk. The hosts highlight the i...
Jan 14, 2024•50 min
Summary This conversation explores the topic of fiber type composition and its impact on sports performance and injury risk. The guest, Freek Van De Casteele, discusses his research on non-invasive methods to estimate fiber type composition and the limitations of invasive muscle biopsies. The conversation covers the accuracy and variability of fiber type composition, as well as the practical applications of this knowledge in talent identification and individualizing training programs. The cultur...
Jan 07, 2024•58 min
Summary In this episode, physiotherapist Chris Han discusses his research on the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain. He explains the challenges in diagnosing low back pain and the limitations of current clinical tests and imaging techniques. Chris also discusses the importance of language and communication in managing low back pain and shares his insights on applying research findings in clinical practice. He highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to diagnosing and treating low ba...
Dec 31, 2023•51 min
Summary Professor Robert Newton discusses the application of exercise as medicine in the management of cancer. He shares his motivation for focusing on exercise oncology after witnessing the decline in physical condition and functional capacity of his father during cancer treatment. Professor Newton emphasizes the importance of tailored exercise programs for cancer patients, taking into account their specific health issues and focusing on what is most likely to cause morbidity or mortality. He a...
Dec 17, 2023•1 hr 1 min
In this episode Jack and John discuss training and exercise for healthy aging as well as performance training as you get older. This episode looks to explore the types and mechanism of exercise and the benefits received as we get older as well as addressing some considerations for those trying to stay competitive. Melbourne Athletic Development is a sports and injury management clinic based in Melbourne, Australia. To maximise your performance or optimise your injury management contact the team ...
Dec 10, 2023•52 min
In this episode we speak with Melbourne based Foot and Ankle surgeon Janan Chandrananth about injuries, surgical techniques and his experiences working across Japan, Australia, United Kingdom and the United States. This episode delves into the unique anatomy of the foot and ankle and some considerations for the types of injuries we see in this region. More info about Janan can be found at https://www.cogsurgery.com.au/ Melbourne Athletic Development is a sports and injury management clinic based...
Dec 03, 2023•1 hr 7 min
In this episode we speak with Physiotherapist Georgie Macdonald about her experiences working in women's sport (AFLW, Track) including discussions of how our understanding of health, injuries and sport interacts for females participating in physical activity and competitive sport. Melbourne Athletic Development is a sports and injury management clinic based in Melbourne, Australia. To maximise your performance or optimise your injury management contact the team at www.melbourneathleticdevelopmen...
Nov 26, 2023•1 hr
In this episode Jack and John discuss when imaging for injuries is indicated and when in fact it may be a hindrance. There is a significant amount of evidence demonstrating that imaging is not always correlated with pain, so we thought we would discuss when may be the appropriate time to seek out imaging following the development of pain. Melbourne Athletic Development is a sports and injury management clinic based in Melbourne, Australia. To maximise your performance or optimise your injury man...
Nov 19, 2023•56 min
Lateral Think - In this episode Jack and John discuss resistance training for youth athletes and young people in general. We often get asked whether resistance training is safe and we look to explore some of the evidence behind resistance training for youth and dispel some of the myths. Melbourne Athletic Development is a sports and injury management clinic based in Melbourne, Australia. To maximise your performance or optimise your injury management contact the team at www.melbourneathleticdeve...
Nov 12, 2023•57 min
Lateral Think - In this episode we speak with Dr Aaron Balloch, the current head of Movement Science at the Victorian Institute of Sport. Aaron has worked as a biomechanics lead with both WAIS and the Fremantle Dockers. We discuss biomechanics, skill acquisition and the role that support staff play in the development of improved performance in elite settings. Melbourne Athletic Development is a sports and injury management clinic based in Melbourne, Australia. To maximise your performance or opt...
Nov 05, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Lateral Think - Professor David Behm is a researcher and lecturer in the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation at Memorial University in Canada. His extensive research history includes areas relating to human performance such as stretching, resistance training and the application of different modalities of training to induce performance improvements. Melbourne Athletic Development is a sports and injury management clinic based in Melbourne, Australia. To maximise your performance or optimise y...
Oct 29, 2023•1 hr 4 min
In this episode Jack and John discuss the issues that surround maximising the development of youth athletes, their performance and reducing injuries. Melbourne Athletic Development is a sports and injury management clinic based in Melbourne, Australia. To maximise your performance or optimise your injury management contact the team at www.melbourneathleticdevelopment.com.au
Oct 22, 2023•59 min
Dr Shayne Vial is a biomechanist, researcher and lecturing currently based at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia. His research has explored sprint mechanics and the biomechanics of badminton. Shayne shares his extensive experience working as an applied biomechanist in his time at the Queensland Academy of sport Melbourne Athletic Development is a sports and injury management clinic based in Melbourne, Australia. To maximise your performance or optimise your injury management contact the ...
Oct 15, 2023•1 hr 16 min
Jake Cowin is a researcher and sports performance professional working in the field of movement variability and skill development. His current role at the Tasmanian Institute of Sport has him working with athletes across sports assisting coaches and athletes optimize their movement and performance. Melbourne Athletic Development is a sports and injury management clinic based in Melbourne, Australia. To maximise your performance or optimise your injury management contact the team at www.melbourne...
Oct 08, 2023•1 hr 7 min
