The purpose of this article is to discuss the health and occupational implications of firefighters not currently meeting the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) aerobic capacity recommendations.
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 NSCA Coach article examines the effectiveness of cupping therapy and assesses whether its benefits are evidence-based. Visit NSCA online to read more on athletic performance and sports recovery.
CoachesExercise ScienceTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or DiseaseProfessional Development
Whole body cryotherapy through cold air exposure has been used to accelerate recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Questions remain, such as: does cryotherapy work, is there a minimum effective dose, and if so, what is it?
Personal trainersTSAC FacilitatorsCoachesExercise Science
This article seeks to provide personal trainers with eight brief modifications that clients can benefit from if they suffer from both acute and chronic lower back pain (LBP).
This Personal Trainers Quarterly article shares considerations to counteract the decline of muscular fitness in older adults. Visit NSCA online to read more on corrective exercises, health, and fitness
Personal trainersExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentProfessional Development
Scientific research has identified lactate threshold (LT) and maximal exercise performance as being very important contributors to endurance performance. A well-designed endurance training program can lead to improvement in both LT and maximal exercise performance within a single season and from season to season.
This TSAC Report article discusses incorporating stress inoculation to help first responders reduce stress response and expedite recovery. Visit NSCA online to learn more about exercise research.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or DiseaseProfessional Development
There is no argument that periodization is successful, and that different models can be applied with success in different fashions. The question of how shift work really affects a periodized program—more specifically firefighter shift work—is less clear.