Biofeedback is a tool that not everyone knows about, yet many coaches and athletes could benefit from using it. This article will describe the psychophysiological principle, introduce biofeedback, and provide descriptions of two biofeedback modalities that may be useful for strength and conditioning professionals to improve performance.
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designstrength and conditioningstrength trainingbiofeedback
Learn the basics of conducting a needs analysis for tactical athletes based on the athlete’s goals and desired outcomes, assessments, limitations on workout frequency and duration, equipment availability, health and injury status, and occupational physiological demands.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designTesting and EvaluationTacticalNeeds AnalysisTSAC-F
The purpose of this article is to discuss the theory behind the French Contrast Method (FCM), current evidence demonstrating its effectiveness, as well as proper implementation and execution for athletic populations.
CoachesProgram designFrench Contrast MethodPlyometricsPowerVelocityRate of Force Development
In addition to standard health, fitness, or sport assessment guidelines, several guidelines exist for the fire service. Since each agency is different in its preferences, capabilities, and philosophies, applying a standard recommendation may not be possible. This article introduces basic decision-making considerations for fire service assessment batteries.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyfitness teststactical strength and conditioningfitness assessmentfirefighter
Live high/train low: what changes can be expected, what dose is required, and is it preferable to other training models for improving performance in endurance sports such as running, swimming, and cycling?
CoachesExercise ScienceProgram designhypoxiaaltitude acclimatizationaltitude trainingaltitude;endurance trainingtrain highlive lowtrain lowLive high
The ketogenic diet, while controversial and a highly polarizing subject, has demonstrated promise as an alternative dietary strategy for weight management.
Personal trainersNutritionKetogenic dietLow CarbohydrateWeight ManagementWeight Loss
In recent years, performance and prevention strategies have grown to include monitoring training load (TL) to understand fatigue and the potential effects of fatigue on training adaptation and performance.
Personal trainersTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentTraining LoadMonitoringHeart Rate MonitoringHRV
This column reviews recent literature that investigated the appropriateness of a commonly utilized on-duty exercise training modality for firefighters and describes the occupational demands of specialist tactical police officers.
Determining VO2max can be useful in all areas of health, from potential diagnosis of heart disease in the elderly to measuring peak performance in elite athletes. This article will discuss the physiological limiting factors of VO2max and the role each plays in cardiovascular improvement.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceProgram designVo2 MaxAerobic CapacityAerobic TrainingCardiovascular Training