Research

By Emmett Shaul, MTI Strength & Conditioning Coach BLUF This Mini Study was initiated to support the Relative Hand Grip event in the Canadian Military CANSOFCOM Physical Fitness Screening Evaluation (PFSE) test, which uses a hand dynamometer to assess grip strength. Currently, the CANSOFCOM PFSE is the only tactical fitness assessment we’re aware of that […]

By Emmett Shaul, MTI Strength & Conditioning Coach BLUF A 7-week Dryland Ski Training Cycle using an assessment based Touch-Jump-Touch to Box (TJT) progression increased 2 minute TJT scores for all six lab rats by an average of 26.3% (range 8.0–51.7%). Heart rate data from the hardest TJT session showed athletes repeatedly working at high […]

By Emmett Shaul BLUF A Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research study compared 2-minute vs 5-minute rest intervals between sets during heavy isometric knee extension in 8 young, recreationally active adults. With the same exercise, sets, and reps in both conditions: In this lab setting, 5-minute rest intervals produced more and better-quality work with less neuromuscular fatigue, even though the sessions felt just as hard […]

By Emmett Shaul BLUF Across the studies reviewed, superset training—alternate agonist–antagonist pairings (AAPS), reciprocal supersets (RSS), and total-body supersets (TBSS)—produces similar long-term gains in strength, hypertrophy, power, and muscular endurance compared to traditional straight sets (TRAD), while finishing sessions in about half the time. Acutely, supersets raise cardiovascular/metabolic load and perceived effort, and can slightly reduce bar velocity […]

By Emmett Shaul BLUF In 169 Australian police recruits, stronger handgrip was linked with better TACOPS (Tactical Options Assessment) performance and higher handgun marksmanship scores; there was no link with the SIM (simulation) assessment. Recruits with very low grip struggled on TACOPS—only 44% passed when right-hand grip was under 30 kg, compared with 86% passing when over 55 kg. Weaker left-hand grip showed a small but statistically significant association with […]

By Emmett Shaul BLUF Across two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, daily collagen supplementation reduced activity-related joint pain in athletes (10 g/day for 24 weeks) and lessened soreness while speeding jump performance recovery after a muscle-damaging workout (20 g/day for 9 days). Doses in the 10–20 g/day range are where benefits were observed. Studies Methods Findings […]

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) In trained male soccer players, two tests—isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force relative to bodyweight and standing broad-jump (SBJ) impulse—best predicted 20 m and 40 m sprint times. Speed improved as those metrics rose until about IMTP ≈ 2.0 × bodyweight and SBJ impulse ≈ 0.29 m/s; beyond those levels, added strength or impulse showed little additional benefit for […]

By Emmett Shaul BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) In Division I football players, leg muscle size relates to sprint timing—stance time (foot on the ground) and swing time (leg in the air)—and the pattern differs by position group. Across all athletes, larger vastus medialis (inner quad) and soleus (deep calf) were linked to longer stance and swing times. Within each position group (Skills, Mids, Bigs), some […]

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) There is no single proven treatment for shin splints (MTSS). Start with rest and reduced running volume, and progress based on soreness. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and arch-support orthoses show promise in some studies; lasers, braces, and pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) do not. Diagnose clinically (diffuse tenderness >5 cm along […]