Potential for Using the Reactive Strength Index (Rsi) to Decrease Injury Risk and Improve Operational Performance in UK Firefighters
by Lee Brown, MSC, CSCS, CSPS, TSAC-F, RSCC, and Scott Caulfield, MA, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, RSCC*E
TSAC Report
November 2024
Vol 74, Issue 3
This article provides considerations for preparing firefighters for the physical and psychological demands of their job, including pre-operational work specific training during their rest times.
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This article originally appeared in TSAC Report, the NSCA’s quarterly, online-only publication geared toward the training of tactical athletes, operators, and facilitators. It provides research-based articles, performance drills, and conditioning techniques for operational, tactical athletes. The TSAC Report is only available for NSCA Members. Read more articles from TSAC Report
REFERENCES
1.Brumitt, J, Dorociak, R, Dunn, S, Critchfield, C, Benner, J, and Cuddeford, T. Lower preseason reactive strength index scores are associated with injury in female collegiate volleyball players but not male collegiate basketball players. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 24(6): 549-554, 2021.
2.Flanagan, E. The reactive strength index was revisited. Train With Push. 2016.
3. Frost, DM, Beach, TA, Callaghan, JP, and McGill, SM. Exercise-based performance enhancement and injury prevention for firefighters: Contrasting the fitness-and movement-related adaptations to two training methodologies. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 29(9): 2441-2459, 2015.
4. Haynes, J. Personal communication. Utilization of the Chester treadmill test. May 24, 2024.
5. Kesler, RM, Horn, GP, Rosengren, KS, and Hsiao-Wecksler, ET. Analysis of foot clearance in firefighters during ascent and descent of stairs. Applied Ergonomics 52: 18-23, 2016.
6. Melton, BF, Ryan, G, Snarr, RL, Weeks, M, Langford, E, and Villafuerte, M. 2023. Fitness policies within the fire service: A pilot investigation of exercise adherence on fitness outcomes among rural firefighters. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine 17(3): 437-442, 2023.
7. Merrigan, JJ, Stone, JD, Martin, JR, Hornsby, WG, Galster, SM, and Hagen, JA. Applying force plate technology to inform human performance programming in tactical populations. Applied Sciences 11(14): 6538, 2021.
8. Payne, N, and Kinman, G. Job demands, resources and work-related well-being in UK firefighters. Occupational Medicine 69(8-9): 604-609, 2019.
9. Rhea, MR, Alvar, BA, and Gray, R. Physical fitness and job performance of firefighters. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 18(2): 348-352, 2004.
10. Stevenson, RD, Siddall, AG, Turner, PF, and Bilzon, JL. Physical employment standards for UK firefighters: Minimum muscular strength and endurance requirements. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 59(1): 74-79, 2017.
11. Wilson, JM, and Flanagan, EP. The role of elastic energy in activities with high force and power requirements: A brief review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 22(5): 1705-1715, 2008.
12. Van Roie, E, Walker, S, Van Driessche, S, Delabastita, T, Vanwanseele, B, and Delecluse, C. An age-adapted plyometric exercise program improves dynamic strength, jump performance and functional capacity in older men either similarly or more than traditional resistance training. PloS One 15(8): e0237921, 2020.
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First Responders Firefighters Mental Health Occupational Stress LEO's LEO's Physical Fitness LEO's LEO's Tactical Facilitators
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