What We Do
The Tactical and Occupational Performance (TOP) Institute prioritizes the health, readiness and occupational performance of tactical athletes (military, fire service, law enforcement and other emergency response personnel)and industrial athletes (workers in physically demanding industries such as construction, manufacturing and logistics).
Similar to sports teams, tactical organizations and employees 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.
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.
Facilities and University Collaboration
Human performance laboratory spaces dedicated to serving tactical athletes and industrial athletes are located on the Armstrong (Savannah) and Statesboro campuses of Georgia Southern University.
Research and 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: Tactical and Occupational Performance Institute, Waters College of Health Professions, Georgia Southern University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419