EPISODE 5: Optimising Tactical Physical Training for Peak Performance

In this episode, Martin & Jonpaul are joined by Professor Rob Orr, director of the Tactical Research Unit at Bond University. They discuss optimising training for physically demanding tasks as well as sedentary working, the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive performance, and the value of an individualised approach to training. 

Guest, Cast & Crew

Professor Rob Orr served in the Australian Army for over 20 years as an infantry soldier, physical training instructor, uniformed physiotherapist and human performance officer. In his role at the Tactical Research Unit at Bond University, Rob provides research, consultancy and educational services for law enforcement, military and firefighters across five continents. With more than 300 published research papers and technical reports on tactical populations, Rob focuses on providing pragmatic research evidence to the tactical community.

Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

Edited by Bess Manley

Produced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ 

Resources

• https://tru.bond.edu.au 
• [email protected] (email)
• facebook.com/TacticalResearchUnit
• linkedin.com/in/rob-orr-41075870

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Chapters

00:42 Rob’s Background

05:11 Defining the Tactical Athlete

07:44 Optimising Load Carriage Performance

09:54 Training Strategies for Tactical Personnel

13:00 Challenges in Tactical Training Programs

18:28 Physical and Cognitive Demands of Tactical Roles

24:00 Principles of Effective Training

25:34 Specificity and Home Field Advantage

26:50 Aging and Fitness Decline

29:26 Challenges of Modern Recruits

35:33 Biological Differences in Fitness

39:44 Body Armor and Equipment Design

44:33 Final Thoughts and Advice

Up Next

Next week, we welcome eminent scientist Professor Daniel Guicciardi. Dan is a distinguished expert on stress, resilience and mental toughness. In our discussion, we scrutinise resilience - the personal factors that aid it, how it applies to teams and the practical strategies that can help people improve it.

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