Synapse Performance Podcast

In this episode, David is joined by sports scientist at Dublin GAA and researcher at Technological University Dublin, Shane Malone. In this, the second of a two part episode, David & Shane discuss the role of the sports scientist in elite level sport.  Topics of conversation include:   - Using data in physical preparation  - Managing fatigue  - Energy system development  - Increasing player robustness  - Understanding the physiological target of training - Integrating conditioning into a team sport training session

In this episode, David is joined by sports scientist at Dublin GAA and researcher at Technological University Dublin, Shane Malone. In this, the first of a two part episode, David & Shane discuss the role of the sports scientist in elite level sport.  Topics of conversation include: - What is the role of the sport scientist? - Deciding what metrics are important to collect - Effective data collection methods - Effective interpretation of data - GPS data collection - External and internal load monitoring - Effective presentation and communication of data to coaches and players. 

In this episode, David & Mark answer questions submitted by listeners. These questions include: - What are common mistakes people make when interpreting research - How can you more effectively apply research with your clients and athletes? - How to deal with science deniers? - How to argue on social media? Full show-notes available at: www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode132

In this episode, David is joined my Dr. Tommy Lundberg. Dr. Lundberg is a lecturer and researcher in the Karolinska Institute in the area of clinical physiology measures, in particular muscle physiology.  In this episode, David & Dr. Lundberg discuss: - The anthropometric and physiological differences between biological male and females. - Sporting performance differences between biological males and females - Testosterone suppression in transgender women and it's influence on physiological variables. - Transgender athletes in sport. Full show notes available at: www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode131 

In this episode David and Mark have an in-depth discussion on the topic of recovery and provide a wealth of practical advice. The pair discuss: - Training Load Management - Sleep - Psychological Stress - Nutrition and Supplements - Active, Passive and Novel Recovery Methods (Ice baths, heat, compression garments etc.) - The Role of Beliefs, Placebo & the Biopsychosocial Model in Recovery  Full show notes available at: www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode130

In this episode, David is joined by Limerick senior football S&C coach Adrian O'Brien, performance nutritionist at Dublin GAA Mark Germaine, and S&C coach with Donegal senior football (2015-2020) Paul Fisher. The group discuss: - Designing and structuring a pre-season - What to focus on during lockdown - Reducing injury risk in GAA - Do GAA players really need to be big and strong? Full show notes available at: www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode129

In this episode of the podcast, David is joined by PhD researcher Tim Smithies.  Tim is a researcher based at the University of Limerick in the E-sports research lab and is completing a PhD in conjunction with the Irish Research Council and Logitech.  In this episode, the pair discuss:   - What is E-Sports? - What roles do S&C and sports science play in E-sports? - What is the future of sports science research in E-Sports? - What influence does E-Sports have on health and sleep?   Full show-notes available at: www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode128

In this episode, David is joined by Synapse Head of Nutrition, Mark Germaine.  David and Mark discuss whether they believe CBD supplementation is worthwhile for athletes and field some listener questions on the future trends in sports science and S&C, and reflect on 2020.  Full show notes available at: www.synapseperformance.ie/podcasts/episode127  

In this episode, David is joined by founder and owner of The Fight Dietician, Jordan Sullivan.  Jordi has an Undergraduate Degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science and a Masters of Dietetic Studies. After completing his studies, Jordi moved to Canada, where he was exposed to an MMA scene that far exceeded that of Australia. He realised that it was only a matter of time until this enthusiasm towards the sport was mirrored back home in Australia and his dream of working in Combat Sports Nutrition could become a reality. Since then, Jordi has established himself as one of the leading Practitioners in Australia and New Zealand and has worked with the regions most successful athletes and teams. He is passionate about raising awareness of safe practices when it comes to making weight and using Nutrition as a tool for Performance, not just for weight loss. In this episode, David and Jordan discuss his experiences on the UFC Fight Island and where athletes go wrong when using sweating methods to cut weight. 

In this episode, David is joined by Dr. Aoife Lane Dr Aoife Lane is Head of Department of Sport and Health Sciences at AIT and Founder of the Women’s Gaelic Players Association. Aoife completed the BSc in Sport and Exercise Science in University of Limerick before undertaking a Masters in Health Promotion in NUI Galway and a PhD in Physical Activity in Irish Women in WIT. Aoife has lectured in Physical Activity and Health, Research Methods, Statistics, Epidemiology, and GAA Coaching. Aoife was a member of the inaugural National GAA Health and Wellbeing group. In this episode, David and Aoife discuss the establishment on the GAA sports science working group and their goals and objectives.