Tracking Training Load and Its Implementation in Tactical Populations: A Narrative Review Tactical populations often participate in demanding physical training and perform strenuous workplace tasks, increasing injury risk. Mitigating injury risk is vital for maintaining trained personnel and should be a focus for tactical populations. One such method, tracking training load, has not been studied in-depth in tactical populations, despite documented effectiveness in elite sport. Most injuries to tactical personnel are overuse in nature and therefore may be prevented by optimizing training load. Although the methods used in elite sport may not be directly transferrable to tactical environments, they may be used to inform injury mitigation strategies in tactical populations.

A Strategy for Assessing Acute (Transient) Pain or Discomfort in the Strength and Conditioning Environment Experiencing acute (transient) pain and discomfort can be a characteristic of exercise and sport participation. In this context, acute pain or discomfort can be experienced by injured and injury-free athletes alike. Acute pain or discomfort in the strength and conditioning (S&C) environment can be experienced during particular movements or exercises. This may be the result of poor exercise technique and/or soft-tissue dysfunction. This article proposes a possible strategy, which can be used by the S&C coach, to modify training based on the acute (transient) pain or discomfort experienced by athletes during training.

Femoroacetabular Impingement: Why Movement Literacy Matters Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is characterized by pathologic contact during hip range of motion. Morphological variations of FAI present as either an acetabular overcoverage (PINCERFAI), spherical femoral deformity (CAM FAI), or both. Such morphological changes often elicit discomfort with aggravating movements most noted in hip flexion, adduction, and internal rotation (FADIR). Etiology of the CAM deformity may be linked to force loads experienced during formative bone growth periods in youth and adolescent athletes. Continued exploration of CAM FAI etiology may provide evidence for strength and conditioning professionals to carefully consider exercise training selection to promote movement literacy in youth populations.

The Benefits and Limitations of Predicting One Repetition Maximum Using the Load-Velocity Relationship This review aims to provide an overview of the current load-velocity (L-V) approaches and their ability to estimate one-repetition maximum (1RM). The bench press exercise appears to be the most valid and reliable when applying this approach. The ability for L-V relationship to predict 1RM for lower-body lifts remains questionable. Individualized regression equations should be used alongside mean velocity when utilizing this method during the bench press. The 2-point method (2 distinguishable loads, as opposed to multiple loads) and normative velocity data (minimal velocity thresholds at 1RM) may provide a novel and practical way to assess athletes' 1RM.

Measurement Properties and Feasibility of Repeated Sprint Ability Test: A Systematic Review The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the research methodological quality, measurement properties, and feasibility of repeated sprint ability tests. Results showed that testretest absolute and relative reliability was very large to nearly perfect for total work and best sprint performance. However, the fatigue index presented a weak absolute and relative reliability. Total sprint time was able to discriminate performance between player positions, competitive levels, and season phases, whereas the best sprint performance distinguished the competitive levels and playing positions. Total sprint and best sprint time were correlated with the sum of peak speed and neuromuscular measures.

Physiological and Performance Monitoring in Competitive Sporting Environments: A Review for Elite Individual Sports There is a great appreciation for the application of physiological monitoring within competition for individual sports. Physiological monitoring allows feedback on exercise dose-response, exercise intensity, and exercise performance. Both subjective and objective parameters are commonly measured in the field sports, but research investigating the accuracy and applicability of monitoring tools in a competitive environment for individual athletes is limited. This narrative review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of individual devices to measure a variety of parameters, including physiological performance, and biochemical and subjective parameters. Based on an analysis of the existing scientific literature, practical applications are provided for coaches.

Total Score of Athleticism: Holistic Athlete Profiling to Enhance Decision-Making Oftentimes, the various coaching staff, sport science, and medical practitioners of a sports club require a single, holistic indication of an athlete's athleticism. Currently, there is no consensus on how this is best defined, and thus, a total score of athleticism (TSA) may provide one such method. The TSA is derived from the average of Z-scores (or T-scores in the case of small samples) from a sport-specific testing battery, ensuring athletes are judged across all the relevant fitness capacities that best define the physical demands of competition. To aid readers in using the TSA, this article also details how it is computed in EXCEL.

Using Imagery to Enhance Performance in Powerlifting: A Review of Theory, Research, and Practice Imagery is a frequently used mental performance skill that has been advocated as an invaluable tool by athletes, coaches, and sport psychology professionals. As such, athletes competing in powerlifting can benefit from the use of imagery toward the improvement of individualized mental and physical skills. To provide coaches and athletes with a theoretical and practical understanding of the imagery–performance relationship; this article (a) provides an overview of the PETTLEP model, (b) reviews the benefits of imagery on both the physical and psychosocial outcomes for powerlifting athletes, and (c) provides recommendations for practical use in strength and conditioning contexts.

Stem Cell Injections for Musculoskeletal Pathology: An Overview for the Sports Medicine Professional Stem cell injections are a promising nonsurgical biological intervention that seek to augment the body's self-healing capacity. Owing to a growing range of clinical indications and excellent safety profile, sports medicine professionals are likely to encounter individuals who received or are considering stem cell injections. This column provides an overview of stem cell injection procedures, biological mechanisms, and evidence underpinning the potential utility of these interventions for musculoskeletal disorders.

The Use of Text Messages for Exercise Behavior Change Techniques Behavior change techniques (BCT) may be applied in several different ways with different methods of delivery, such as face-to-face, through print, or with the use of technology. Predominant determinants of exercise behavior include self-regulatory skills and self-efficacy. The use of text (SMS) messages is a candidate for the medium of BCT delivery because of its ease and frequency of use. If personal trainers and coaches are to effectively use SMS messages to deliver behavior change techniques for exercise, they should understand how to frame these messages based on the client's or athlete's individual characteristics.