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Holistic Performance Programming for mTBI Recovery in U.S. Military Tactical Athletes: A Narrative Review
Ed Daly1, John Mackersie2, Lisa Ryan1
1Department of Sport, Exercise & Nutrition, School of Health, Sport Science & Nutrition, Atlantic Technological University, H91 T8NW Galway City, Ireland.
Sports (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 26, 2026
Summary
Holistic performance programming integrates multiple domains for tactical athlete recovery from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This approach aims to bridge clinical recovery and operational readiness, improving outcomes for service members.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Military Health
Background:
- Tactical athletes face high mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) risks from occupational exposures.
- Current mTBI recovery protocols may fragment care by not integrating physical, cognitive, and psychological domains.
- Military personnel need recovery models extending beyond symptom resolution and return-to-duty clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of holistic performance programming in optimizing mTBI recovery for tactical athletes.
- To emphasize interdisciplinary care, structured assessment, recovery periodization, monitoring technologies, and return-to-duty readiness.
- To explore how integrated strategies can improve recovery and operational readiness.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature and practices.
- Examination of interdisciplinary care models and subject matter expert roles.
- Assessment of monitoring technologies and multi-domain assessment tools for individualized recovery.
Main Results:
- Holistic performance programming offers a multidimensional framework integrating various expert domains.
- Interdisciplinary teams can improve early recognition, individualized rehabilitation, and safer return-to-duty decisions.
- Potential use of biomarkers and wearable technologies to guide personalized recovery strategies.
Conclusions:
- Holistic performance programming can bridge the gap between clinical recovery and operational readiness post-mTBI.
- Integrating physical, cognitive, psychological, nutritional, and sleep strategies reduces fragmented care.
- Future practice should prioritize standardized assessment, real-time monitoring, education, and stigma reduction for mTBI recovery.
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