Episode 331

Why Energy Management Is the Next Big Performance Tool

August 3rd, 2026

22 mins 35 secs

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sports equipment innovation performance apparel tendon loading compression apparel vibration damping pickleball padel tennis running biomechanics breast support sports bras women’s sport impact protection rotational impact nfl helmets concussion athlete protection non-newtonian materials polymers dynamic materials sports technology dr sarah karmel rheon labs athlete performance material science sports science

About this Episode

How much of an athlete’s performance is shaped by the materials they wear and use?

This week, Richard Graves is joined by Dr Sarah Karmel, Chief Science Officer at RHEON Labs, to explore how dynamic materials are changing the way sport thinks about protection, comfort and performance.

Sarah explains the science behind RHEON’s non-Newtonian polymer technology: materials that remain soft and flexible at rest, but stiffen to manage energy when exposed to force. From NFL helmet components designed to address both linear and rotational impacts, to sports bras that provide support without unnecessary compression, this is material science with practical implications for athletes.

The conversation also looks at vibration damping in tennis and padel rackets, the role of apparel in supporting movement, and why the next step in sports equipment may be creating products that adapt to the athlete, rather than asking the athlete to adapt to the product.

In this episode you will learn

  • How dynamic polymers respond differently at rest and under force.
  • Why managing both linear and rotational impacts matters in athlete protection.
  • Why repetitive lower-energy impacts are receiving greater attention in contact sport.
  • How sports bra design can influence comfort, movement and the running experience for female athletes.
  • How dynamic materials can reduce vibration in rackets without removing the feel athletes need.
  • The potential role of responsive compression apparel in muscle support and tendon loading.
  • Why energy management is the common thread linking helmets, apparel and sporting equipment.
  • How material innovation could make sports equipment more individualised and athlete-centred.

About Dr Sarah Karmel

Dr Sarah Karmel is Chief Science Officer at RHEON Labs, where she leads the development of advanced elastomeric materials for sport, protection and performance applications. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, and previously held the Blavatnik Fellowship at the University of Cambridge. Her work focuses on translating polymer and material science into practical technologies that improve how athletes are protected, supported and able to perform.

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