What We Do
The Tactical and Occupational Performance (TOP) Institute prioritizes the health, readiness, and occupational performance of tactical athletes and industrial athletes.
The TOP Institute commits to improving the health, fitness, and performance of tactical athletes — including military, fire service, law enforcement, and other emergency response personnel — and industrial athletes working in physically demanding industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics. This work is advanced through science, education, and professional practice in the fields of health and human performance.
Mission
The Tactical and Occupational Performance (TOP) Institute commits to improving the health, fitness, and performance of tactical athletes and industrial athletes by advancing science, education, and professional practice in the fields of health and human performance.
Vision
The Tactical and Occupational Performance (TOP) Institute will positively impact the mission effectiveness and quality of life of tactical and industrial athletes across the spectrum of environments in which they operate.
The TOP Institute works to address the health, fitness, and performance needs of tactical and industrial personnel to facilitate professional excellence and maximize quality of life during their careers and following the conclusion of their career or time in service.
Through scientific advancements, translational knowledge products, and community service initiatives, the TOP Institute will improve workforce readiness and availability, supporting highly effective teams in meeting their agency or organizational mission needs.
About the TOP Institute
The TOP Institute prioritizes the health, readiness, and occupational performance of tactical athletes and industrial athletes. Similar to sports teams, tactical organizations and employers seek rapid return to productive participation for members of the team while minimizing the risk of further injury.
The application of a modified sports medicine model to tactical occupations and physically demanding industrial jobs led to the evolution of the term “athlete” for these populations. This model has proven effective in improving quality of life, minimizing lost duty days, and increasing workforce readiness.
Over the past two decades, several large and well-funded programs have emerged to support military service members, increasing the demand for research, education, and community engagement that advances multidisciplinary preventative and restorative care for tactical athletes.
University Collaboration & Facilities
The Tactical and Occupational Performance (TOP) Institute leverages the research capabilities and faculty expertise of multiple colleges at Georgia Southern University. The Institute is closely linked to the Waters College of Health Professions, as its mission aligns with health, fitness, and human performance disciplines represented throughout the college.
Human performance laboratory spaces dedicated to serving tactical athletes and industrial athletes are located on the Statesboro and Savannah campuses of Georgia Southern University.
Research & Community Engagement
The TOP Institute is committed to two-way communication with community partners to ensure that research, education, and engagement activities remain relevant and responsive to the tactical and industrial populations served.
Research activities, educational offerings, and community outreach initiatives focus on advancing multidisciplinary preventative and restorative care that improves readiness, performance, and quality of life.
Tactical Athlete Initiative
The Tactical Athlete Initiative is housed within the Tactical and Occupational Performance (TOP) Institute.
The Tactical Athlete Initiative at Georgia Southern is a multidisciplinary collaboration that provides training and educational support to military, law enforcement, fire service, and emergency management personnel and organizations.
The initiative emphasizes a train-the-trainer approach, educating physical fitness leaders within organizations on evidence-based training techniques and injury prevention screening. Faculty and programs within the initiative are also connected to multiple funded research studies involving tactical populations.
Contact
Email: TOPInstitute@georgiasouthern.edu
Address: Armstrong Campus, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419
University Hall, Room 150