Metis Tactical Starts Prehab at Spring Fire
by Hannah Falcon
At the beginning of August, Metis Tactical began assessing the physical fitness of all full-time Spring Fire Department firefighters using 3D modeling and core strength exercises.
Metis Tactical is a team of sports medicine experts who are dedicated to protecting fellow first responders from occupational injury.
“We assess, identify, and correct impaired movement that can lead to injury using research-based methodologies,” CEO and founder Hunt Whitten explained. “Sprain, strain, or muscular pain continue to be the leading type of fire ground injuries.”
According to the 2015 U.S. Fire Injuries Report, 57% of firefighter injuries were due to sprains, strain or muscular pain. In order to combat these injuries, Metis Tactical uses a program they call “Prehabilitation.” Essentially, they train first responders on muscular stability in order to prevent injury in the line of duty.
“Our system uses the concept of “Prehabilitation” to not only prevent injuries, but to optimize functional performance,” Whitten said. “Our Prehab programs are designed to prepare personnel for the line of duty while mitigating injury risk.”
Metis Tactical does six month programs for any first responders, including firefighters, police officers, EMS or military personnel. Spring Fire started their prehab program with a two-part baseline test of strength and movement. One part consisted of core exercises led by Sean Carey, the Metis Tactical Director of Human Performance.
“We put together a performance test that measures core strength. We picked challenging exercises, so most guys were unable to get 100%,” Carey said. “The goal is that after six months on our program they will be able to meet the challenge.”
The other part of the program is a movement test utilizing the world’s first patented markerless 3D modeling. This cutting edge technology allows Metis tactical to assess a person’s range motion in real time.
“Our 3D Movement Assessment allows us to accurately capture and analyze human movement. We look for deficits related to mobility, stability, range of motion and posture,” Whitten said. “Based on the results of the 3D Movement assessment, individuals receive a Prehab program customized to best fit their needs.”
After completing the tests, Carey and Whitten put together a training program that then is used by peer fitness trainers, a firefighter that has been trained to lead exercises and assist their peers with form. Metis Tactical uses their mobile app to distribute personalized programs to each firefighter.
“I create the programs and send it out to each individual on our mobile app and the peer fitness trainers will help them in the gym by looking at form and different things,” Carey said. “There are standard programs that people do together as a shift, but also if someone has a history of a shoulder injury, reduced range of motion or some sort of other condition then the program can be tailored to meet their needs.”
Spring firefighter John Shultz said that this type of organized exercise program is something that all firefighters need because the job requires a lot of athleticism. Shultz has only been a full-time firefighter for five years and already experiences knee and back problems because of the strain this job puts on him.
“I’m looking forward to structured exercise plans and I hope to increase mobility and reduce risk of injury so that so that we can be better at our job and be healthier throughout our lives,” Shultz said.
The Spring Fire Department and Metis Tactical work together to keep the irreplaceable first responders safe and healthy while serving their community.
“Metis Tactical is proud to partner with the Spring Fire Department and their continued commitment to the health and safety of their personnel,” Whitten said. “Together, we are dedicated to protecting their most valuable resource.”
Hannah Falcon is a sophomore Communication major at Texas A&M University. A Staff Writer and Life & Arts Editor for the Texas A&M Battalion, Falcon is spending the summer as a volunteer writer for Spring Fire Community News.