Research

By Rob Shaul, Founder We started a triple purpose 6-week “geek cycle” with our local lab rats mid-December at our Wyoming Facility aimed at researching three distinct areas:   (1) Female Set/Rep Schemes for 1RM Strength Until this cycle, we’ve never looked at female strength programming separately, and in our research, could not find another […]

By Rob Shaul   BLUF We conducted a mini-study to identify a recommended energy supplement dosage and/or recipe for extended loaded movement, but our results were inconclusive.   Background Much research has been completed, and entire nutritional supplement companies created around developing optimal event nutrition for long, unloaded, endurance events such as ultramarathons, triathlons, and […]

By Rob Shaul   Background One of the most common nutrition questions we receive from athletes is if they should consume a post-workout recovery shake. In MTI’s early years, following consensus thinking in the strength and conditioning world, we recommended a combo protein/carb post-workout shake, or chocolate milk. In fact, when we first opened, we […]

By Charlie Bausman MTI’s Tactical Lab Rats completed another “Geek” Cycle, which focused on testing two progression methodologies for improving short distance rucking speed. The Lab Rats conducted an initial 3-mile ruck run assessment with a 45# load. They were then split into two groups for a 3-week cycle, each rucking 2x/week. Group A completed […]

  By Jaimie Cunningham In a previous article, I discussed the background research and theory that led to the development of this study.  The study recently concluded. Study background, design and results are below:       BACKGROUND Females are entering combat roles as well as attending military schools and selections that were previously open only […]

By Charles Bausman   The Tactical Lab Rats here at MTI just concluded our 3-week Geek Cycle which consisted of four mini-studies comparing different methods of developing the following: Lower Body Strength Push Up Improvement Loaded Pull Up Improvement Power Development   Findings and Discussion 1. Lower Body Strength Question: How do Leg Blasters compare […]

By Charlie Bausman At the facility in Jackson, our tactical lab rats are stepping away from the daily operator sessions to conduct a 3-week “Geek Cycle” and conduct four concurrent “mini studies” outlined below. We will be testing different programming methods to see which best improve the following: Push ups Power Development Weighted Pull Ups […]

By Rob Shaul   Background In previous Mission-Direct research, MTI has looked at several different elements of loaded movement including: Impact of Heavier Footwear on Hiking Pace Development of an MTI Route Card to Estimate Rucking and Hiking Times Effect of Ruck Weight on Speed from 0-70% of Bodyweight Efficiency Gains Using Trekking Poles Effect […]

By Brice Long We set out to take a closer look at some techniques aimed to extend the operating time of a firefighting self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinder – particularly in an emergency situation.  Here is what we found, what we didn’t, and what we learned along the way.   Background No matter how advanced […]

By Rob Shaul Loading for tactical athletes significantly increased over past decades with the development of body armor and other protective equipment, electronics (radios, night vision, GPS, batteries), and unit/mission-specific SOP equipment standards. All of this adds up to extra weight on the athlete, and common “fighting loads” for day-missions on the military side in […]