Tactical Physiology & Performance

A primary focus of the work done in the MAP Lab is to study the impact of occupational stressors among high stress tactical occupations such as firefighters, law enforcement and military personnel. This line of work is done in collaboration with the ALERRT Center at Texas State University. These occupations are exposed to a variety of stressors (psychological stress, heat, smoke exposure, intense physical exertion, sleep disruption, etc.) that cause significant increases in biochemical and physiological markers of stress, inflammation and oxidative stress. Chronic exposure to these stressors can adversely impact performance and cardio-metabolic health.

MAP Lab personnel typically collect physiological/biochemical data to provide insight as to the magnitude of stress induces by numerous occupational factors. This research aims to identify the impact of exercise training, nutritional interventions, and alternative modes of training such as virtual reality based training on markers of stress and performance.