Thanks Lee!

If that weren't enough to entertain the NSCA troops, there was always the Shuttle Balance. While the Balance has been shown to help a variety of different athletic populations with their proprioception and core stability through all sorts of sports specific functions, we think more and more people like the Balance simply because IT'S SO DANG FUN TO PLAY ON!

I mean, who cares about the athletes, the Balance provides trainers and coaches with hours of physical fun and challenge.

Some attendees tried playing the iphone game Superblox while balancing on one leg on the Shuttle Balance (extremely difficult). Cindy Keegan recommended we look at changing up the difficulty on the Balance by wearing different types of footwear (our guys said the high heels were much more challenging than cute little sandals). 

Imaginations almost at an end, someone suggested we try serving drinks on the Shuttle Balance during Thursday night's Reception. The unfortunate loss of wine glasses, cost of carpet cleaning, and the brief but exciting ambulance ride to the local hospital proved that idea to be a poor one.

Just kidding....

We are continually amazed at the uses trainers, coaches, and therapists are coming up with for the Shuttle Balance. We will preview some video soon where Dr. Robert Donatelli of GolfersMD.com fame is using his Balance to help a local baseball player recover from recent ACL injury while improving balance and core stability at the plate. You'll want to see that - coming soon.

Thanks to everybody who came and played at the Shuttle Systems booth! It was great fun and we all learned a lot. We leave you with the impressive and empowered moves of Johnny Gillespie on the Shuttle Balance.

Johnny Gillespie founder of Empowered Yoga demonstrates the Bow Pose on the Shuttle Balance at NSCA 2010 in Orlando Florida.

Thanks again NSCA - look forward to next year in Las Vegas!    

We gave away free t-shirts to those who scored 750 points or higher. Those went quick. In fact, we had 10 different people score 1,000 points the first day. We figured we'd have to have a toss-off to decide the Ipod winner. But then Tim Dugan stepped on the Balance....

His first throw fell to the earth, I know not where. Then, calmly, he rattled off three straight five hundreds. 1,500 points! We had ourselves a winner - and somebody who obviously knows how to toss his cookies!

I'm sure everybody's gonna want to toss their cookies in New Orleans, next year - and everybody will be gunning for Tim. You all better get some practice in. Better yet, just buy a Balance. You can rehab athletes, practice tossing your cookies, and win an Ipod next year in New Orleans....

Speaking of the Balance, we had Mich Lynch, MD stop by our booth. Mick is the original creator of the Shuttle Balance. Oh, we'd like to think we helped a bit in the process, but he and his sister, Teresa Schuemann, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC, CSCS (you see, all those letters do make a difference) really were pioneers on the Balance. 

We got some good video of Mick sharing the story of the Balance. We look forward to showing it to you sometime soon....

While we'd like to think we think of everything, we have to admit that much of the creation and improvements on our products come from our Shuttle owners. They ask, "Can you do this and this?" And we respond, "Well, we can do that, but that other thing is what they call illegal...." Just kidding. We really appreciate our owners. They are a wealth of knowledge, insight, and creative genius. It keeps us on our toes and our products continually improving. Thanks again!!

Gaming on the Shuttle MVP

Not to be outdone by the Balance, athletic trainers were able to do some fun stuff on our MVP as well. Steve McGee from CDM Sport stopped by our booth to show us his little "rehab game in a box." We hooked it up to our MVP and let some of the athletic trainers play around with the video games doing controlled leg presses.

It turned out to be a fun challenge providing a nice rehab workout. One ATC said that if they had one on their MVP "they'd never get the athletes off it." Rehab would no longer be rehab. It'd be a game. Well, as everyone knows, competition improves performance. In this case, it would improve recovery. We're very much intrigued and will keep you posted on progress with this new technology.

Shuttle Travels

Of course, we didn't spend all of our time at the show. We wanted to go and visit some of our Shuttle owners in the area. For some reason, the Philadelphia Eagles, Sixers, and Phillies were just a tad busy (I know, shameless name dropping). But we did get to see the folks at Arcadia, Temple and Villanova University. It was great to visit with Varsity Fitness, St. Joseph Medical Center, Northwest Physical Therapy (Wyndmoor, PA), and PTW Institute (Quakertown PA). They gave us some interesting insights into how they are using their Shuttle products for athletic rehab and all sorts of other applications. 

Larry Kaplan of Varsity Fitness is using his Shuttle MVP to work on his tennis players explosive power and cardio endurance. We've got video of him demonstrating some of the protocols he uses to get his young players primed for their matches. Stay tuned for those videos coming soon!

And there were the requisite visits to the local historical sites: Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, Dogfish Head Brewery (some just couldn't get enough of tossing their cookies).

Be Social

So, it was a fantastic trip all the way around. Now we're all back safe and sound in Glacier, Washington. 

With all the hustle and bustle of the show, we didn't get to spend that much time with each one of you. So, tell us what you thought of the show on Facebook or Twitter. 

Thanks for the Philadelphia memories. We look forward to New Orleans 2011!

Team Shuttle: Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

Coach Boyle: I'm a strength coach, a writer, and an educator. I am the strength and conditioning coach for Ice Hockey at Boston University as well as the owner of Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning with two facilities outside of Boston, MA. Recently Mens Health named us one of the top 10 gyms in the US.

What fascinates you right now?

 I'm fascinated by how little we know. I've been questioning everything lately. How to get bigger, how to get stronger, how to get in shape. I think the questions far outnumber the answers.

 You had a run-in with the NSCA - what's the permanent solution to that problem?

I don't know if there is a solution. I can't get a straight answer. I hear I am unqualified, that I was uninvited. I think the real solution is full disclosure. I'd like to know what happened, who was behind it and why was it done.

I think you've described yourself as "old school". What are some trends you see in sports that you wish would stop - or go back to the way it was in the good ol' days?

Number one, early specialization. Everyone wants the next Tiger Woods or Maria Sharapova. Kids should be kids first and foremost, not little science projects for parents. Next would be all the AAU, ODP etc. This is just an outgrowth of the early specialization thing. Kids need time to become athletes. Just because they are smart we don't send them to med school at 10.

Who are you learning from? Who's doing some really cool stuff right now?

Good question. Lots of people. Alwyn Cosgrove always makes me think as does Gray Cook. The Perform Better tour has some of the best thinkers on the planet. I'm reading more about the mind, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin, and Nutrition stuff by Michael Pollan.

Who is the best athlete you've ever worked with - and why?

If you want Biggest Heart and Greatest Drive I might have to go with Chris Drury, captain of the NY Rangers. Jay Pandolfo of the New Jersey Devils is also in the same category as is Mike Grier of the Buffalo Sabres.

Most talented is interesting. There have been so many. Ray Bourque, Nomar Garciaparra, Mia Hamm, Marcellus Wiley. Keith Tkachuk and Tony Amonte established themselves as two of the greatest players in US Hockey history, Bill Guerin is still playing on a line with Sydney Crosby at 39. Too tough to call.

What's your best piece of advice to someone just starting out in the profession?

No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.

If you were forced to make a different career choice - what would you be?

I'd probably be a carpenter. I love working on houses.

With all the demands on your time - how do you maintain balance in your life?

One I have a great wife. Two, I'm learning to say no more. Three, I work while everyone else is asleep.

For the record: One year from today you will have accomplished - what?

I will have streamlined my life. I'm trying to be able to spend more time with my kids.

At the end of your career, where do you want to say that you made your "Dent in the Universe"?

I hope I will have trained and influenced those who will take my place. When I see my "kids", the people I have coached and mentored do such great things, I know I have a legacy. I hope that is the way that Al Vermeil, Johnnie Parker, Rusty Jones and Mike Woicek feel about me.

One more.... How do you use your Shuttle MVP? Any tips or suggestions on how to get the most out of your machine?

We use the Shuttle MVP for power development and rehab across a broad range of clients. You guys already have a great video on your site that shows how we use it.

Be sure to check out the video of the new MBSC Winchester Facility.

If you would like us to feature you on Shuttlesystems.com please contact us and tell us your story!

We have a single ticket to his Spokane course and would like to offer it to fans of Shuttle Systems. See contest details below.... 

Bob's Sports Specific Rehab course is described as:

".... the most comprehensive and complete sports rehab course on the market. It includes neuromuscular, strength training and manual therapy concepts for athletic injuries of both the upper and lower extremity core. An understanding of the etiology of athletic injuries and the influence of poor mechanics and muscle imbalances will be presented. The course will include lecture, discussion, patient cases (video and slides) and lab. The etiology of overuse injuries and treatment concepts will be reviewed. Strength training concepts to include: physiology of muscle adaptation to exercise, and developing a strength training program to improve performance through periodization, plyometrics, OKC and CKC exercises will be presented. Attendees will leave the course prepared to implement their own sports rehab program."

Contest Details

To win this free Spokane registration, tell us why you deserve it on our Facebook Page. Become a fan and let us know why you deserve a free registration to the Donatelli Sports Specific Rehab course in Spokane. Be as creative as you want and may the best fan win. If you have any questions please contact us.

Seminar location:

Here's to your FREE continuing education!

Thanks from Shuttle Systems

Click this link for a full description of the new Shuttle Recovery Senior

Click this link to see the Shuttle Balance Pro specifications

Click this link for a full description of the new Shuttle Balance Pro

Click this link to see the Shuttle Balance Pro specifications

I am finishing my second year as Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Health Science at Bradley. Although administrative duties and teaching take up the vast majority of my time at work, I still evaluate and treat athletes in the Bradley University Athletic Department, Bradley students in the Student Health Center, as well as ambulatory musculoskeletal patients at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center's Illinois Neurological Institute out-patient center.

Shuttle: We have a product that improves proprioceptive abilities and I see that you have a research interest in "Balance After Total Joint Replacement". Can you share with us some of your key insights on this subject? Maybe what really intrigues you about this topic?

Tippett: 

Probably the most enlightening comment relative to this area came from a PT colleague who had simultaneous bilateral TKA’s a few years ago. He had severe DJD but right up to surgery he was quite active in coaching soccer, his overall conditioning was good and his upper body strength was excellent. After his surgery and during a PT session he was told by his PT to “stand up straight!” He thought he was standing up straight but he couldn’t tell due to the surgical procedure removing both cruciates. Although studies have been done to demonstrate proprioceptive deficits following TKA, some patients return to high levels of function while others are hesitant. Certainly there are other factors involved, but the notion of trust in the knee following TKA may have a lot to do with joint awareness (or the lack thereof).

Shuttle: Who, in your opinion, is doing some of the most interesting work on this subject?

Tippett: 

I think we need to do a better job of educating our patients about what they can realistically expect after TKA and this is an area that is gaining more popularity. As a consultant in a study with DePuy Medical, we were able to follow 93 patients after TKA through formal PT for six weeks post-op as well as ongoing data collection at six months and one year. Pre-operatively we asked the patients to rate the importance of various daily functional activities, and post-operatively we noted significant discrepancies between pre-op expectations and post-op function in a handful of variables. Although pain is typically decreased following TKA many patients did not trust their knee. Proprioception may play a role in this and I look forward to continue study in this area.

Shuttle: As a professor of Physical Therapy, head of the department at Bradley, and member of the APTA Education section - if you were president and had to give your "State of the Profession" speech - what would you say?

Tippett:

We can never forget who we are and how we got here. In the early days of sports PT we enjoyed a tremendous working relationship with orthopaedic surgeons as we learned from them and as they learned from us. Although we have worked side by side with them (as well as other types of physicians) to advance the care of patients with multiple dysfunctions and disabilities, somewhere and somehow our profession is not what it used to be in their eyes. I would venture to say that is it not due to professional stagnation on our part, but a different perspective that others may have. We cannot worry about what others think. We need to continue our efforts to take the profession to the next level as we have done by leading the way in evidence-based practice, by advocating for our patients, and by making physical therapy a vital part in the recovery of all types of patients. But we are physical therapists, not physical therapy. We cannot be defined by the practice of ‘physical therapy’ as some outside of our profession feel. We are professionals trained at the doctorate level in a unique profession that positions us to be the expert in assessing and treating movement impairments.

Shuttle: What's the one piece of advice that you give students coming out of your physical therapy program?

Tippett: 

Formal education is only the first step. We have to continue to learn everyday; when learning stops, personal and professional growth is impossible.

Shuttle: In another life - if you weren't a physical therapist, what would you be?

Tippett: 

A bass guitarist for Van Morrison.

Shuttle: One more.... what Shuttle machines do you have and how are you using them? Any tips or suggestions on how to maximize their use?

Tippett: 

The 2001 and the MVP. Nothing better to transition the patient back to weight bearing function!!

Shuttle: You guys created this awesome YouTube video that has been viewed by over 59,000 (and counting)! How did it all come about?  

Jared: 

Our professors at James Madison University do a great job of instilling a passion for the profession in the Athletic Training students and they challenged us in our junior year, as a class assignment, to develop a project to promote Athletic Training. So, I came up with the idea of creating a music video. Once I had the song created I immediately recruited Pratik because with his passion for Athletic Training and exceptional organizational skills I knew he was the perfect man for the job. We shot about 7 hours of footage (2 alone of just me dancing).

Banjade: 

 "Smooth Professional" took 3 weeks of video taping, over 7 hours of footage, and 26 hours of editing. Much worth it for the promotion of Athletic Training!    

Shuttle: What's the response to the video been like? 

Banjade:

Response has been amazing. First we were hopeful of just 500 hits. We were amazed at how quickly it spread on the internet. Within 24 hours it had over 3,000 hits - within 72 hours, over 34,000 hits! We have received responses from around the country, and especially the NATA.

Miller:

We have had overwhelming positive support from athletic trainers all throughout the country. It is so exciting to get emails from other students or professors who loved the video and want to use it to promote AT in their area. The NATA has even recognized our efforts and asked to play the video at our national convention in Philly! We have also just learned that we won the NATA public relations contest for "Most Creative" project! Our video gained so much popularity that we were featured on blogs, websites, newspaper articles and even national television shows. It has been an amazing experience.    

Shuttle: Why "Smooth Professional?"

Banjade: 

Smooth Professional kind of fell right into place. Obviously, it works well with the original version, "Smooth Criminal" created by Michael Jackson, but it also exemplifies the demeanor of athletic trainers. When an injury or emergency occurs, the majority of people are panicking, but athletic trainers remaining calm, composed, and SMOOTH when dealing with stressful situations. This is why we should be considered the "Smooth Professionals" of the healthcare world.

Shuttle: What's the biggest misperception out there about the Athletic Training profession?

Banjade: 

One of the biggest misperceptions is the title of the profession itself. Most people call Athletic Trainers "trainers," which is clearly not what Certified Athletic Trainers are. Another misperception is that Certified Athletic Trainers are capable of holding careers only along the sidelines or in sports medicine clinics. Would you be surprised to learn that ATCs can work in military, industrial, and police settings?

Miller: 

Many people don't know that ATs must graduate from a 4 year collegiate program and pass a national certification exam. Among other things, ATs possess the skills to prevent, care for, evaluate, and rehabilitate all sports related injuries, in individuals of all age ranges. This misunderstanding is a sore subject among many ATs, including myself, and rightfully so because this lack of understanding in the public makes it hard for ATs to gain recognition in the healthcare field.

Shuttle MVP: You're graduating from James Madison University. What's unique or special about the JMU program?

Miller: 

JMU has exceptional facilities which allow the staff to best serve their student-athletes. I think the educational program is one of the most successful in the country in terms of pass rate on the BOC exam, but they do more than just teach students how to pass the exam. JMU students develop a great sense of professionalism and commitment along with a great base of knowledge. JMU places its students in situations of great responsibility which test their skills, but they also provide a great support network of staff to fall back on. I spent a lot of time just picking the brains of our experienced staff.

Shuttle MVP: You've got your whole professional life ahead of you.... what would be your dream opportunity?

Banjade: 

To be a Program Director in the field of Athletic Training at a distinguished University. I have developed extensive leadership and management skills at JMU and believe I could use these experiences greatly in my future aspirations.  

Miller:

Getting into athletic training as a freshman in college I had one dream job in mind and that was to work with the Washington Redskins. That is still my dream job, but realistically I will be happy working in a Division 1 collegiate setting, as a respected member of this profession who is making an impact at my institution and helping student-athletes continue to participate in what they love.

Shuttle MVP: Anybody out there in the Athletic Training field that you think is doing some really cool stuff?

Miller: 

In doing my research when applying for my Michigan State University position I was fascinated with Dr. John Powell´s work involving the epidemiology of sports injuries and I was very impressed to hear that the whole Big 10 conference uses the same injury surveillance system which in turn can create a more clear picture for Big 10 athletic trainers regarding the epidemiology within their own conference. I must also give a shout out to all those ATs who spend time on Capital Hill lobbying for the rights of athletic trainers. As I mentioned earlier, it is very important to gain public awareness and support for our profession in order to advance in the healthcare field.

Shuttle MVP: Here's a Miss America question for you: At the end of your career, where do you want to say that you made your "Dent in the Universe"?

Banjade: 

I want to help as many people as I can - be it in Athletic Training or just in service. The greatest characteristic in a person, I believe, is in service and care - care that is given not for recognition, but straight from the heart.

Miller: 

Honestly, I will be happy just simply carrying out the work of athletic training wherever I end up. I will make a positive¨"dent in the universe" for every single one of the hundreds of athletes I care for and help return back to participation. Athletes will always remember and appreciate the AT who genuinely cares about them. I am interested in continuing medical research while at MSU, and beyond, so I hope to publish some peer- reviewed articles which can be used by ATs in the practice of evidence based medicine. Outside of Athletic Training, I have participated in a few community service projects at home and overseas and I would like to continue helping those who are less fortunate.  I also, someday, want to have a happy family and make a positive "dent" in the lives of my wife and children - what more can you really ask for?

Shuttle: One more.... How do you use your Shuttle MVP at James Madison University, and can you please share with us some specific protocols you use that others can try?

Banjade: 

At JMU we used the Shuttle MVP for many rehabilitation programs for lower extremity injuries. It was a great tool to create a closed kinetic chain environment for ACL to minor ankle rehabilitations.

Miller: 

I primarily use the Shuttle MVP in developing lower body rehabilitation exercises. The MVP is great for athletes who are still limited to partial weight-bearing, but still need to strengthen their lower body. In athletes with patellofemoral tracking syndrome, the Shuttle MVP is very beneficial in the first 30 degrees of knee flexion for specifically strengthening the Vastus Medialus Oblique muscle. I have used the Shuttle MVP to assist with jump training in athletes whom we have identified as having high risk for knee ligementous injuries. While seated on the device the athlete can launch themselves off the Shuttle platform and when landing they must focus on a proper landing mechanics, such as eliminating any valgus moments at the knee or restricting the knee´s movement forward over the toes. Essentially, this same exercise can be used to develop more explosive power if the number of resistance bands is increased. The Shuttle MVP is great for hamstring/glute strengthening if the athlete stands and places their foot on one of the Shuttle´s pegs and extends their hip and knee back against resistance. Those are just a few of the many techniques I have used with my student-athletes on the Shuttle MVP.

Shuttle: Thanks guys - you've got a bright future ahead of you. See you in Philly! (Make sure you stop by and "Toss Your Cookies" on our Shuttle Balance - we're gonna shoot video....)

"You've been seen by a Health Care Professional"

If you've never experienced the Balance before, we invite you to come by booth #1637 in Philadelphia and take this baby for a spin - or a whirl, or jolt, or slip....

You see, the Shuttle Balance Professional provides a safe platform for the recovering athlete to re-establish dynamic stability in the lower and upper extremity. But this is not your mother's proprioceptive device. It doesn't involve simply rolling or tipping the ankle. It's not a compliant surface either. The Balance sports a suspended platform that moves in all planes of direction to produce an unstable surface invoking use of stabilizers throughout the athlete’s body.

It's also intuitive - plug and play - with an emphasis on play. Because it is as challenging as the athlete wants it to be, it's fun to use. Fun means increased use, which means better rehab. 

Here's some things the Balance can do for your athlete:

ACL

Help athletes "day one" after surgery get their confidence back....

Shoulder

Strengthen the core and develop proprioceptive ability during upper body movement....

ADVANCED BALANCE

Portland Trailblazers' Steve Blake does one-legged squats with one-handed passing for increased balance....

ADVANCED Jumping

Improve game day performance with increased proprioceptive abilities....

But you really need to experience the Shuttle Balance Professional to, well, experience what it can do.

Thus, the "Toss Your Cookies" contest....

Come to the Shuttle booth #1637 at the NATA show in Philadelphia. Hop on the Shuttle Balance Professional and toss a few of our inedible cookies. Score some points and you'll be entered to win one of our "I Tossed My Cookies" t-shirts. Simple as that.

We'll see you in Philly!

Oh, join us at Yards Brewery Thursday night, the 24th, for a beer on us! Be sure to stop by the booth so we can have an approx head count.