Community Chronicles Vol. 2: Kyle Jordan Olandt

The design is what drew my interest initially. I have a strong background in biomechanics, a big part of the curriculum is based upon principles found in physics, and I couldn’t wrap my head around how a small machine like that could really provide up to 200lbs of resistance force or any of the other modes it offers. 

In my opinion, the field of physical therapy is going to continue to see a large shift of clinicians who are able to providing concierge services and higher levels of care, working in smaller environments. When I saw this device, I knew immediately it would work in my practice. I predicted this machine could take the place of so many other expensive pieces of equipment, and to fulfill those needs, the exercise selection would just depend on creativity.

Kyle: The VOLTRA I is just incredibly versatile. You can manipulate the training variables so easily, so it essentially meets the demand of any exercise you plan to do. You can challenge an athlete with basic terminal knee extensions against 5lbs of resistance in an early ACL reconstruction, and then scale that to doing eccentrically loaded box step ups and single arm cable row RDLs, and maximally challenge isokinetic knee extension.

The VOLTRA I is used daily in my clinic and sports performance company. I can return basic quadriceps function in an early post surgical knee patient, then maximally load a rear foot elevated split squat in an elite athlete. 

How does VOLTRA I help achieve performance and rehab goals, bridging the gap between physical therapy and sports performance?

Kyle: For me, the utility of the device comes in it’s ability to manipulate the training variables. When we look at the principles found in exercise physiology and strength and conditioning, this device becomes very dynamic. If you look at the parameters for the specific adaptations of skeletal muscle (hypertrophy, strength, power), and the recommended “set/rep” and “%1 Rep Max” ranges that are required to achieve those adaptations, I believe this device can be used almost in isolation to reach a large portion of those physical goals.

You can take college baseball pitcher, 4 weeks out of a labral surgery and start them with scapular retractions and accommodating resistance isometrics, and in the progressing phases of rehab have them perform a maximal effort cable rotation arm punch against isokinetic resistance. In my opinion, you are just limited by your creativity.

Kyle: That’s a great question. And I think it really comes down to the patient’s goals and their willingness to participate outside of my clinic. In most situations, the mechanism of an injury or dysfunction is multifactorial.

I work with a highly diverse population, ranging from 70-year-old knee replacements, to D1 cross country runners, to post operative spinal fusions, to NBA prospects. So, the goals really depend on the injury, and the patients current level of function.

I think if you set realistic goals that are quantifiable, you have attainable check-points along the way, and if you have a plan that makes sense to both you and the patient, you typically have a good outcome. And that’s actually why the VOLTRA I is so useful, because it provides data in every training session.

Sometimes you see things that you’d think are unattainable, reached. Last month, I had a 15 year old HS football player within a broken shin return to play within 8 weeks, which is very uncommon, but he remained incredibly positive and did everything he could to become healthy. Things seem to typically go your way and improve when you remain positive and trust the process. 

How significant is injury prevention or prediction in today's training realm, particularly in the fields of physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and sports performance?

Kyle: I think it’s massively important, certainly a big trend on social media. A lot of the literature will say you truly can’t 100% prevent an injury, but you surely can mitigate the impact of it and learn movement strategies to recover from the potential of them.

When we look at the anatomical make up of the musculoskeletal system, there are very specific muscles that provide intrinsic joint stability (rotator cuff, hip internal rotators) that may often be under-trained in those that only perform compound lifts.

Although you certainly get activation of those stabilizing muscles when you perform those lifts, but if you look at an athlete whose sport results in a repetitive stress on a specific group of muscles, we have to train that specific group to have a greater capacity than what would be reached in traditional lifts. In other words, programming “pre-hab” or “maintenance” exercises are important for the longevity of the athlete. 

Kyle: Honestly guys, this thing is dope. I think you guys have created something that every PT clinic and boutique gym should have. I think for the right demographic, it is a realistic purchase for a home gym. Stoked to be a part of your success and thank you for having me.

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