1. First, ask a solid research question and share that question with your players and staff, so they are informed about the benefits and risks you seek to discover.

Example: How well do athletes recover strength with blood flow restriction training?

2. Collect high-quality data with a reliable and valid tool.

Example: This is easy. Our ArmCare Platform is all that you need. 

3. Evaluate the data on an individual level.

Example: Some pitchers who throw over 90 mph recover strength better than others.  Identify what worked for some and what did not for others.

4. Evaluate mean data between groups.

Example: Split the groups into high and low-velocity pitchers to compare differences in group averages.

5. Perform statistical testing on the group data.

Example: Perform a mixed-model ANOVA statistical test to evaluate the treatment, such as the difference in strength between pre and post blood flow restriction training, or between high and low-velocity pitchers between time points. (Stay tuned for future courses to teach you how to run statistical tests. If you are stuck on this, email me).

6. Determine a different course of action for individuals who did not perform well using the treatment.  

Example: For those who don't respond to blood flow restriction training, try incorporating Crossover Symmetry bands with blood flow restriction training to evaluate if higher strength programming is needed in combination to produce results in athletes that did not show improvement.

7. Implement a pathway for new athletes coming into your system.

Example:  The group data shows a statistical improvement for athletes who throw over 95 mph with significant effects using blood flow restriction. Using that data, any new athlete who comes into the building throwing 95mph can integrate blood flow restriction training right away with greater confidence, and then continue to examine individual effects in making adjustments when needed. 

8. Once you understand the findings and applications, educate, educate, educate!

Take The Next Step

If you are not a Certified ArmCare Specialist, this week's podcast will give you some important nuggets to consider in force and range of motion testing for the throwing arm.  

Next, if you want to become an expert, register for our Nationally Accredited course approved for continuing education credits by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and 24 states for physical therapy licensure. 

If you are not a professional strength coach, or physical therapist, no need to worry, by being an expert, you will be able to advertise that you are a Certified ArmCare Specialist and charge for your services in screening athletes orthopedically, monitoring their performance, and assisting them with individualized arm care programming. 

Everybody benefits from our education, especially your players.

Reach out to me if you want more information on our Certified ArmCare Specialist course, which can be seen here: https://armcare.com/armcare-specialist-certification-2/

Education is a competitive advantage, and we can never get enough of it. 

Ryan

[email protected]