This narrative review will focus on the research related to tactical load carriage and on a program recommendation to maximize strength and endurance adaptations in Special Operations Forces (SOF).
This TSAC Report column explores how probiotics support gut health, immune function, recovery, and occupational readiness in tactical athletes and first responders.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceNutritionProgram designOrganization and AdministrationSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentWeizmannia CoagulansPhysiological StressImmune HealthRecoveryMicrobiomeNutritionTactical Performance
Specialist law enforcement resources are under constant strain to maintain operational and organizational outcomes. The high operational tempo disturbs many functions including skill enhancement, personal development, work/life balance, and time for physical conditioning.
This article provides a sample six-week, non-linear program for improving muscular strength, power, endurance, anaerobic capacity, and aerobic capacity. However, this is not a “one-size fits all” program, and manipulation of the program variables may be warranted for some individuals.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designClient Consultation|Assessmentoccupational physical assessmentstrength and conditioningStrength training
By implementing a fitness assessment, a law enforcement agency can assess its officers and gather important data. As long as there are support mechanisms in place to assist the “at risk” officers—such as access to physical training instructors, occupational health professionals, or dietitians—the organization can ensure that its officers move towards becoming a healthier and more resilient workforce.
TSAC FacilitatorsTesting and Evaluationfitness assessmentTSAClaw enforcementfitness testing
This article discusses the importance of upper body power training for protective security personnel and its potential for an occupational performance marker.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designTesting and EvaluationProtective Security PersonnelUpper Body PowerTactical AthleteCombat
This column from TSAC Report 76, examines the performance benefits of supplementing creatine monohydrate for tactical athletes. Visit NSCA online to learn about nutrition, and performance fitness.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceNutritionTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentProteinCarbohydratesTactical PersonnelAthletic PerformanceSupplementsCreatineOccupational PerformanceNutrition
An organized, science-based, and evidence-based periodized program that is guided by capable and competent professionals is the most efficient and effective way to accomplish the task of returning from a shoulder injury to full active duty. The concepts of periodization paired with evidence-based strength and conditioning interventions provides the framework needed for tactical facilitators to accomplish this task.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or Diseasetactical strength and conditioningTSACperiodizationrehabshoulder injury
Given the high prevalence of injuries that occur during rucking, implementing an injury prevention program is paramount. Disseminating information on proper injury prevention training methods and reducing the risk of ruck-related back injuries can improve overall mission readiness with minimal lost training time.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or Diseaselow back injurytactical strength and conditioningTSAC-FRuck training
This article is part of a continuing series of tactical strength and conditioning (TSAC) research reviews. It is designed to bring awareness to new research findings of relevance to tactical strength and conditioning communities.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designTesting and EvaluationFirefightersPolice OfficersLoad CarryAgeSoldiersFitness Field TestChange of Direction