In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob welcomes Gavin Pratt, the Director of Strength and Conditioning at the UFC Performance Institute.
This conversation offers an exclusive look into the world of neck strength training and testing protocols for elite UFC fighters. Gavin Pratt, with his extensive background in strength and conditioning, delves into the critical role of neck strength in the sport of mixed martial arts. He shares his expert insights on the unique challenges faced by UFC fighters and the innovative approaches employed at the UFC Performance Institute to enhance neck strength and prevent injuries. Gavin details the frequency, location and mechanisms behind neck injuries suffered across the UFC, highlighting the importance of more dedicated research and innovation in this area.
Listeners will discover the importance of neck training in mitigating the risks of concussions and neck injuries, which are prevalent in combat sports. Gavin discusses the specific exercises and equipment used in the institute, including the incorporation of tools like the iron neck, and how these are tailored to meet the demands of a UFC fighter's training regimen.
The podcast also explores the cutting-edge testing protocols used to measure and monitor the effectiveness of these training methods. Gavin sheds light on the integration of technology in testing, such as the use of instrumented mouthguards and biomechanical analysis, to gather data on the forces exerted on fighters during training and competition.
This episode is not just an insight into the world of UFC strength and conditioning but also a valuable resource for coaches, trainers, and sports scientists interested in understanding and applying advanced neck strength training techniques.
Main talking points:
#Bitesize - Testing and training the calf to reduce injury risk with Colin Griffin
Testing and training the foot for rehabilitation and improving sports performance (part 1) with Romain Tourillon
#Bitesize - Barriers encountered by women in strength and conditioning with Sophia Nimphius, Brian Gearity and Lorena Torres
Optimising athlete recovery and managing load effectively across multiple sports with Carmen Colomer
Maximising resisted sprint training and speed training with youth athletes with Micheál Cahill
#Bitesize - How to maximise heart rate variability (HRV) data quality with Marco Altini
Blood flow restriction training: Applications in rehab, recovery and strength training with Stephen Patterson
#Bitesize - What is maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and how it can be used to programme conditioning with Nathan Heaney
Developing and maintaining an injury risk reduction strategy at the Kansas City Royals with Austin Driggers
How to develop an NBA player: Assessments, programmes and methodologies with Nathan Spencer
#Bitesize - Data visualisation principles with Johann Windt
Deceleration testing and training: Applying the research in college football with Joey Guarascio
#Bitesize - How to programme and coach resisted sprints with Håkan Andersson
Maximising the impact of RPE data and other subjective measures with Shaun McLaren
Science and application of velocity based training with Dan Baker, Lachlan Wilmot and Jonathon Weakley
#Bitesize - Managing tendinopothies with blood flow restriction training and isometrics with Luke Vella
Maximal aerobic speed vs. Tempo: Which is optimal for team sport aerobic fitness (?) with Nathan Heaney
#Bitesize - The current state of hamstring rehabilitation practice with Jurdan Mendiguchia
Maximising the use of eccentric training for sports performance with Pete Burridge, Mike Young and John Wagle
A critique of the “knees over toes” phenomenon and maximising cross training prescription with Nathan Kiely
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