# Applying Force Plate Technology to Inform Human Performance Programming in Tactical Populations
## 5 Testing to Monitor Neuromuscular Fatigue and Detraining  
More frequent or \"micro-level\" monitoring via bi-weekly, weekly, or intra weekly assessments help to identify neuromuscular fatigue more quickly via decrements in force-generating capacities [56]. When trying to determine the ideal frequency for testing, there are several factors to consider, such as throughput and equipment limitations. Most importantly is the potential for test fatigue due to the implementation of force plate assessments at a high frequency. As mentioned earlier and described in greater detail elsewhere [41], maximal effort jump attempts are fundamental to the validity and reliability of force plate  
Figure 6: In this example case study, comparisons can be made between individuals and within individuals over time while also noting differences in responses across performance testing and metrics. These synthetic data may show a decrease for most individuals around the same time of the year, demonstrating examples of intense training bouts or detraining that lead to reductions in performances. Following the bout of training decrements, these individuals demonstrate varying rates of positive performance adaptations. [PERSON], [PERSON], and [PERSON] had decreased jumping, but [PERSON]’s strength remained stable, while [PERSON] noted consistent improvement in jumping abilities but a decline in isometric strength. Thus, demonstrating the variability in responses to training programs, which may be useful for properly informing training prescriptions. tests. Consequently, it is left to the practitioners to determine whether intra-weekly or weekly (sometimes even bi-weekly) testing would become too monotonous for their population. In these instances, it is recommended that test frequency is extended to bi-weekly or monthly. Proper use of this more immediate feedback allows appropriate, timely adjustments to training programs from unexpected responses caused by the unpredictable nature of occupational demands. The fluctuations in weekly training volume and intensity may lead to decreased or maintained jump performances depending on the individual. Conceptually, micro and meso-level monitoring feed into the \"macro-level\" training program by providing a robust description of long-term adaptive alterations, creating the roadmap for the course taken to reach the annual training adaptation. Thus, it is helpful for practitioners to have a training prescription in which predetermined expectations are deployed, which allows reflection and interpretation based upon comparing desired/anticipated changes vs. actual outcomes. Then, eliciting functional overreaching via minimal neuromuscular fatigue to elicit training adaptations and prepare for high stressors [14; 19] would not be an alarm for negative training responses, but rather an expected decrease that should be followed by an eventual increase in performance (adaptation). Nonetheless, if data lead a practitioner to be concerned, programmatic alterations (e.g., lower training volume and/or training intensity and increased recovery modalities) may then be implemented to guide future training towards a more desirable long-term adaptation, all of which is directed by objective, reliable, and actionable data. Collectively, micro-level monitoring can help to identify performance reductions from detraining [89] or neuromuscular fatigue (i.e., overreaching/overtraining) [90] to ensure individuals take necessary steps (e.g., retrain or recover) to regain occupational physical readiness. Having appropriate plans of action for data management, as previously discussed, is particularly important for monitoring frequent assessments to provide immediate feedback. Some force plate software have embedded cloud-based data management systems, which allow immediate comparisons to previous records.