Research

By Sam Johnson Introduction Energy system training is a well-established concept in endurance and performance sports. As climbing continues to evolve as a performance sport, with increasingly distinct sub-disciplines (e.g., bouldering, sport climbing, speed climbing, traditional/multi-pitch climbing), there is a growing need to understand the energy system demands of each style and how targeted conditioning […]

By Jackson Mann BLUF This study by Faisal Abedin (2023) developed and validated a novel methodology for evaluating the thermal and moisture buffering behavior of textiles under dynamic environmental and physiological conditions. Among the fibers tested, wool consistently exhibited stronger thermoregulatory performance—particularly in maintaining warmth during post-exercise recovery—compared to polyester, cotton, and viscose. Purpose of […]

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) This 8-week randomized controlled trial compared resistance training and static stretching for improving flexibility and strength in healthy young adults. Both methods improved flexibility equally. However, only resistance training improved maximal isometric strength at both mid- and end-range joint angles. Static stretching had no effect on strength. When stretch intensity […]

By Samuel Johnson Introduction Over the past month, I conducted an in-depth review of climbing training methodologies, comparing industry-leading programs, popular online practices, and MTI’s historical approach. The goal was twofold: first, to better understand how elite climbers and coaches structure their training, and second, to inform the design of MTI’s July climbing cycle—complete with […]

By Jackson Mann Overview Rucking is a core movement pattern for military and tactical athletes, yet little empirical data exists on optimal pacing strategies under load. This four-week study compares two 6-mile ruck approaches: Approach A: Continuous ruck run Approach B: 2-minute run / 1-minute walk intervals All trials will be conducted with a 50-lb […]

By Seung Ho Choi Overview Velocity-Based Training (VBT) uses barbell velocity as both a training prescription and an autoregulation tool. It enables coaches and athletes to monitor performance in real-time, allowing them to fine-tune load and volume based on daily readiness. Devices like inertial measurement units (e.g., OVR velocity) track bar speed to estimate training […]

By Samuel Johnson BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) While full range of motion (ROM) training is generally superior for increasing overall strength and muscle hypertrophy, partial ROM training has unique tactical benefits. It allows athletes to handle heavier loads, reduce fatigue, protect joints, and build strength at specific joint angles. Integrating both full and partial […]

BLUF Over a 4-week period, MTI athletes subscribed to our daily streams completed either 1.5 or 3 hours per week of Zone 2 running. Despite the low training volume and minimal intervention time, most athletes who completed the protocol demonstrated improvements in aerobic base, assessed by total distance covered during a fixed-time Zone 2 effort. These results […]

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) This survey of 49 U.S. states found that the majority do not require physical fitness standards for police recruits or active-duty officers. Entry and graduation testing are inconsistent, and 88% of states have no ongoing standard for officers once on the job. Instructor qualifications, injury tracking, and training safety protocols are […]

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) This study tested whether taking a single high dose of creatine monohydrate (0.35 g/kg bodyweight) could reduce the effects of sleep deprivation on mental performance and brain energy levels. Compared to a placebo, creatine improved memory, attention, and mental processing speed, and changed how the brain used and stored energy. These effects appeared within 3.5 hours, […]