April 26, 2021by Matthew Sokoloski, CSCS, TSAC-F, Dr Brandon Rhett Rigby, PhD, CSPS, NSCA-CPT, Isaac Rowland, CSCS, Ryan Gordon, CSCS, and Christopher Ryan Bachik, CSCS, TSAC-F
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.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designSafetyProfessional Development
Deena Kilpatrick, Joe Jones, and Jill Mills team up in this session from the 2019 NSCA Tactical Annual Training to discuss the various components of a comprehensive injury prevention program within a fire department. They also provide strategies to create and implement a comprehensive injury prevention program to better serve a multi-faceted approach for fire and rescue personnel.
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.
November 28, 2021by Matthew Sokoloski, CSCS, TSAC-F, Chris Irvine, CSCS, Ryan Gordon, CSCS, Isaac Rowland, CSCS, and Dr Brandon Rhett Rigby, PhD, CSPS, NSCA-CPT
The purpose of this article is to identify considerations that are to be taken into account when designing and implementing an annual training program for firefighters, as well as to discuss strategies for implementation.
This article presents the shoulder taps, which could serve as a more time-efficient screening tool for tactical operators. Although this article will present the shoulder taps as an assessment modality, it may be expanded upon and prescribed as an exercise for the purpose of improving trunk, hip, and shoulder stability.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and Evaluation
March 13, 2024by Robert Lockie, PhD, TSAC-F,*D, Tomas Ruvalcaba, MS, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, Annalise Maldonado, Elizabeth Leal-Alfaro, MS, and Jay Dawes, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT, TSAC-F,*D, FNSCA
This article aims to bring awareness to the importance of sleep and recovery for first responders, as well as providing strategies to optimize sleep specific to their occupational demands.
This article explores the concept of how lifestyle behaviors encouraged at the high school-level could affect fitness during adulthood, with a focus on both sport and strength and conditioning participation.
Tactical facilitators need to understand the movement patterns that first responders encounter because they can have a profound effect on underlying biomechanics and may contribute to excessive tissue loads.
In this session from the 2015 NSCA TSAC Annual Training, John Hofman covers many common ailments that are specific to firefighters and how they are brought on by overuse, poor compensation, and improper motor patterns. Hofman shares effective strategies that can help improve a department’s health, wellness, and injury prevention programs, as well as corrective exercises.