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Optimising Human Performance

Optimising Human Performance

By: Wavell Room
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Unleashing the peak potential of humans who work in the most challenging and pressuring environments.


Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin, human performance specialists speak to world experts across the full spectrum of human performance topics, ranging from mindfulness and perfectionism, sleep, nutrition and optimal physical preparation.

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Episodes
  • Movement and Skill Acquisition with Dr Chris Connaboy
    May 28 2025

    Episode 4 : Movement and Skill Acquisition with Dr Chris Connaboy


    In this episode, Martin and JP talk to Dr Chris Connaboy, an expert in movement, coordination and skill acquisition. They discuss motor control, perception-action coupling and Chris’ ground-breaking new research into gait analysis. The episode also includes practical advice on training for load carriage, the importance of individualised strength conditioning, and investigating rate limiters.


    Guest, Cast & Crew

    Dr Chris Connaboy is an eminent academic based at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago who has carried out research for NASA amongst other esteemed organisations. As a former infantry soldier in the Black Watch, Chris has a particular research interest in training practices employed by the military, including load carriage.


    Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk

    Edited by Bess Manley


    Resources

    • Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/faculty/christopher-connaboy/
    • Linkin https://www.linkedin.com/in/connaboy/


    Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review. If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.


    Chapters

    00:14 Introducing Dr. Chris Connaboy

    01:16 Chris' Military Background and Early Questions

    04:34 Discovering Biomechanics and Motor Control

    05:31 Understanding Motor Control and Movement Variability

    09:45 Applying Dynamic Systems Theory in Training

    12:28 Real-World Examples and Practical Applications

    16:30 Exploring Dynamical Systems and Self-Organization

    20:28 Understanding Rate Limiters in Physical Performance

    21:31 Dynamic Systems Theory in Military Load Carriage

    22:12 Research Insights on Load Carriage and Injury Prevention

    27:18 Strength and Conditioning for Load Carriage

    31:07 Perception-Action Coupling Explained

    34:19 Challenges in Perception-Action Coupling

    39:57 Innovative Research in Human Performance

    40:25 Final Thoughts and Future Directions


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    46 mins
  • Unlocking Expertise with Prof Mark Williams
    May 14 2025

    Episode 3

    Unlocking Expertise: The Science Behind Skill Acquisition and Decision Making


    In this episode, Martin talks to Professor Mark Williams, a leading authority on the acquisition and development of expertise. They discuss skill acquisition, the role of experience and purposeful practice. They also explore the use of simulators, the unique challenges of maintaining skills in high-stress environments and the importance of evidence-based practices in improving performance.


    Guest, Cast & Crew

    Mark Williams is one of the world’s leading authorities on expertise and its acquisition in sport. He also has experience in military settings, law enforcement, aviation and medicine. He has worked in a range of academic institutions in the UK and US, including Liverpool John Moores University, University of Sydney, University of Utah and Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition.


    Hosted by Martin Jones https://www.ophp.co.uk

    Edited by Bess Manley


    Resources

    • Mark’s email mark.williams@health.utah.edu
    • Mark’s bio https://psych.utah.edu/people/adjunct-faculty/mark-williams.php
    • Mark’s popular science book ‘The Best: How Elite Athletes Are Made’ by Mark Williams & Tim Wigmore. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-How-Champions-Are-Made/dp/1529304350
    • Anders Ericsson book ‘Peak’ https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/peak-book-anders-ericsson-9780099598473?sku=NGR9780099598473&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA6t-6BhA3EiwAltRFGH4MHwz8Nh2GQplRBPtVnN6yaRXD6UzINU6KWmIItYhW4YxiIgxVyxoCM8QQAvD_BwE


    Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review. If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.


    Chapters

    00:54 Mark's Research Interests and Career Journey

    02:59 Diving into Decision Making in High-Stress Situations

    06:21 The 10,000 Hours Rule and Expertise

    12:13 The Role of Simulators and VR in Training

    16:44 Transferability of Skills Across Domains

    23:43 Maintaining and Developing Skills

    28:36 The Neuroscience of Learning and Muscle Development

    29:32 Skill Atrophy in Different Domains

    30:46 Deliberate Practice and Skill Maintenance

    31:41 Repetition vs. Specificity in Training

    33:02 Stress and Performance in High-Stakes Environments

    35:12 Talent Identification and Development

    42:11 Task Generic vs. Task Specific Cognitive Skills

    44:42 Optimizing Learning Environments with Technology

    51:15 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    54 mins
  • Optimising Human Performance With Sam Peters
    Apr 30 2025

    Episode 2 - Concussion in High Performance Environments


    Martin and Jonpaul talk to award-winning author and sports journalist Sam Peters about concussion. They discuss the role of emerging technologies in diagnosing concussion in both sport and military contexts and the potentially devastating impacts of asymptomatic sub-concussive blows.


    Guest, Cast & Crew

    Sam Peters’ work has transformed sport’s attitude towards head injuries. He was the driving force behind the Mail on Sunday’s concussion in rugby campaign and has recently published a critically-acclaimed book on the topic, called Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth.


    Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk

    Edited by Bess Manley


    Resources

    • Sam’s email Sam@concussed.media
    • Sam’s award-winning book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Concussed-Sports-Uncomfortable-Sam-Peters/dp/1838955771
    • Sam’s upcoming events https://www.concussed.media/events
    • Planted Community https://planted-community.co.uk/


    Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review. If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.


    Chapters


    01:19 Meet Sam Peters: Background and Career

    03:08 The Rise of Professional Rugby and Injury Concerns

    06:41 Concussion Culture in Rugby

    13:34 Historical Perspectives on Head Trauma

    15:15 Military and Sports: Parallels in Head Trauma

    18:38 Technological Advances in Concussion Diagnosis

    20:53 Cultural Change and Education in Concussion Management

    25:02 Understanding CTE: Definition and Symptoms

    26:07 CTE in Sports: Research and Recognition

    28:29 Diagnosing CTE: Challenges and Advances

    30:35 Secondary Impact Syndrome: A Closer Look

    34:43 Concussion Management in Sports

    37:18 Cultural and Institutional Challenges

    40:21 Lessons from Rugby for Other High-Risk Occupations

    44:20 Future Directions and Final Thoughts



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins

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