By Rob Shaul BLUF This Mini Study tested the correlation between (1) relative strength and ruck speed, and; (2) 6-mile run time and ruck speed with the aim of identifying which (relative strength or running performance) had the highest correlation. The results found that both 6-mile run time had a high correlation to rucking speed […]

By Rob Shaul   BLUF This 3.5-week Mini-Study investigated the transfer of loaded step ups to rucking. Six remote, lab rats completed the 3.5 Week study which began with a 3-Mile Ruck for Time carrying a 40-pound ruck. After a days’ rest, the lab rats completed a 30-minute Step Up for Reps Assessment wearing a […]

  By Rob Shaul BLUF Five experienced, veteran MTI Lab Rats tested the ability of Dumbbell Strength Training to increase 1RM (1 repetition max), max effort barbell strength. Results found that dumbbell strength training maintained to slightly increasing max effort barbell strength, but did a much better job at increasing dumbbell-based strength. Average Overall Barbel […]

  By Rob Shaul   BLUF The strength and work capacity improvement difference between Forward Sled Pull Intervals and Backward Sled Pull Intervals is negligible. In two separate mini studies, remote lab rats saw 1 Repetition Max (1RM) strength and sprint-based improvements after following a 3-week training program which featured forward or backward sled pull […]

By Rob Shaul   BLUF Five remote Wildland Firefighters following the first 3 weeks of the MTI Wildland Fire Fitness Assessment Training Plan improved their scores an average of 19 percent. The MTI Wildland Fire Fitness Assessment is a multi-battery, mission-direct fitness assessment designed to assess upper body strength, functional core strength, loaded spring-based work […]

By Rob Shaul   BLUF Six remote MTI Lab Rats following a 3-week, 5-day/week training cycle exclusively of extended (20-40 minute), multi-modal “grinds” maintained max effort strength and sprint-based work capacity, while increasing endurance. Below are the average changes in the assessed performance metrics. Back Squat 1RM: +3.56% Bench Press 1RM: +1.04% Max Rep Pull […]

  Upcoming MTI Lab Rat Opportunities   Sorry – No Mini-Studies Running at the Moment

By Rob Shaul MTI is calling for fit lab rats to test the fitness effects of backward sled drags. The training will begin Monday, March 7, 2022. The deadline to apply is 1700 Mountain Time, Friday, March 4, 2022. Lab rats must be 20-40 years old. Details All lab rats will complete the same, focused […]