Ryan S. Sacko

Dr. Ryan S. Sacko is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at The Citadel, part of the Swain Family School of Science and Mathematics. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Education from the University of South Carolina, with expertise in motor development, military fitness readiness, and physical education curriculum design. His research focuses on motor competence assessment, injury prevention in military populations, and the impact of motor skills on health outcomes across the lifespan.

• Education: Ph.D. (Physical Education, USC), M.A. (Exercise Science, USC), B.A. (Athletic Training, Charleston Southern University)
• Affiliations: Collaborations with ARIEM (Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine), I-MDRC (International Motor Development Research Collaborative)

Research interests include functional motor competence assessment (e.g., Supine-to-Stand tests), military physical readiness, and interventions to improve health-related fitness in youth. His work integrates biomechanics, exercise physiology, and developmental psychology to address gaps in physical education and military training efficacy.

Recent studies explore predictive models for musculoskeletal injury risk in U.S. Army trainees and the role of motor skill proficiency in combat fitness performance among ROTC cadets. He also investigates the validity of weighted aerobic runs (V-WARFITR) for tactical readiness assessments.

• Publications focus on motor competence-energy expenditure relationships, combat fitness testing, and injury prevention strategies
• Grants: Involved in multi-institutional projects funded by military and health agencies

Labs/Teams: Human Performance Laboratory at The Citadel; leads interdisciplinary teams studying motor skill development and military physical performance metrics.