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 ScienceTesting and EvaluationState Patrol OfficersSoldierFirefightersAcademyFitnessNormative DataOccupational Task
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 64th Annual Meeting was held in Denver, CO May 30 – June 3, 2017. Overall, there were more than 50 presentations with a military focus, an indication of the importance of this research. The following is a review of some of the presented research.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceTSAC ReportTSACmilitarytactical strength and conditioning
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
Fitness testing uses a battery of protocols recognized by the scientific community as both reliable and valid, and it measures important fitness constructs such as aerobic endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, agility, flexibility, and balance.
CoachesExercise Sciencekinetic selectfitness testingfitness assessmentstactical strength and conditioning
This research review covers topics such as the effects of police officer equipment loads, military occupational specialties, and the effects of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters.
The NSCA announces 2025 Salary Survey results conducted by Employers Council, showing a 6.7% annual growth rate since 2018 and $68,089–$98,564 average salaries.
This article will highlight an intervention involving mental skills training and virtual reality (VR) to address acrophobia with this population.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseMental Skills TrainingVirtual RealityAcrophobiaDiaphragmatic Breathing
The program described in this article is an example of how a department can attempt to address and potentially prevent musculoskeletal injuries in firefighters and similar tactical populations. This process includes the use of movement screens, active workshops, and various modes of feedback.