US Army PregnancyPostpartum Physical Training Program PPPT

1
US Army Pregnancy/Postpartum Physical Training
Program (PPPT)
Program Overview August 2007
2
Purpose

• Review program background and development
• Explain program key points and components
• State requirements for PPPT implementation
• Provide recommendations for way ahead

3
Facts

• Army has responsibility for safe, adequate
  training.
• Exercise beneficial to both Soldier and baby.
• Easier delivery and reduced physical discomforts
• Fewer c-section, preterm delivery, low birth
  weight rate
• Consistent moderate exercise maintains fitness
  during pregnancy and improves postpartum.
• Optimal physical fitness performance maximized by
  standardized program.

4
Current Situation

• Females make up 15 of the Army AD Force.
• Approximately 21 of female AD Soldiers delivered
  a baby throughout 2004.
• Lack of program standardization results in
• reduced readiness
• poor morale
• lower retention.

5
Background

• AFAP Issue 532 requests standardized mandatory
  Army-wide PPPT Program - presented to Nov 06
  GOSC
• PPPT Program
• developed IAW ACOG guidelines and MEDCOM
  standards and policies
• evaluated, endorsed by TSG and G-1
• ready for implementation
• Coordination in progress between G-1, G-3/5/7,
  OTSG, IMCOM, and USACHPPM on agency
  responsibilities

6
AFAP Issue 532

• Standardized Army-wide Pregnancy Program
• Scope
• Limited installations offer educational and
  physical fitness training programs for pregnant
  and postpartum Soldiers
• Unavailability or lack of participation has a
  negative impact on readiness and well being of
  the Soldier
• Unsatisfactory APFT scores and meeting weight
  standards
• Conference Recommendations
• Develop and implement a standardized, mandatory,
  Army-wide physical training program that
  encompasses both the period of pregnancy and
  postpartum period with command emphasis on
• Educational information and physical fitness
  training
• Effective return to individual readiness,
  physical fitness and weight standards.

7
Development/Implementation
Program Development
Briefing
8
Program Criteria

• Commanders program
• PT during unit PT time
• Mandatory enrollment / attendance
• Leaders trained in pregnancy/postpartum fitness
• Coordination between Command, MWR, MTF and units
• At-Home Postpartum PT exercises
• Postpartum PT participation following conv leave

9
Implementation IAW AR 350-1

• HQDA, DCS, G-3/5/7 as proponent for physical
  fitness training
• CG, TRADOC is responsible for assisting in
  execution of pregnancy/ postpartum PT
• Installation Commanders own local programs with
  support from Garrison and MTF Commanders
• USACHPPM serve as medical consultant/ training
  assistance for program

10
Combat Multipliers

• Improve Soldier and unit readiness and morale
• Increase Soldier retention by
• Pass APFT and height/weight standards
• Maintain fitness levels for easier labor and
  delivery
• Improve fitness levels for a smoother transition
  to unit PT
• Provide education related to pregnancy issues

11
Senior Mission Commander Consolidated
Installation Program
 
POSTPARTUM
PREGNANCY
9 Months
6 Months

Diagnosis
Delivery
Convalescence
Profile Recovery
Postpartum PT
APFT
6 Wks
4 Wks
40 Wks
Up to 14 Wks
Physical Training in Unit Pregnancy PT Program
Physical Training in At-Home Postpartum PT
Program
Physical Training in Unit Postpartum PT Program
  Regular unit PT activities begin at conclusion
of 6-month recovery period as outlined in AR
350-1.
12
Requirements

• FUNDING (annual) using existing personnel for
  local programs
• Cost per participating Soldier 16
• Cost per average local program 2,028
• Cost Army-wide (32 local programs) 64,900

13
Daily PPPT Sessions

• Exercise
• Centering
• Strengthening
• Flexibility
• Special exercises for pregnancy
• Cardiovascular
• Stress Management
• Core strength/ calisthenics for postpartum

Education Curriculum includes a variety of
topics taught weekly by SMEs to provide
awareness, knowledge, and skills training.
14
PPPT Program Fills the Gap
Unit PT or PT on own inadequate. PPPT provides

• Centering - balance and coordination to prevent
  injury
• Strengthening modified strength and endurance
  training with safety restrictions
• Flexibility stretches tight, shortened muscles
  (chest, back, legs)
• Special exercises addresses delivery
  preparation and areas of frequent
  injury/discomfort
• Cardiovascular cardio training that can be
  monitored and performed at different intensity
  levels dependant on Soldiers level / trimester
• Stress Management addresses increased stress
  and prepares for labor/ delivery management
• Core strength/ calisthenics - assists in
  progressive abdominal and core strength
  improvement as prepare for return to unit PT

15
PPPT Program Resources

• Manuals
• Video Tapes
• Implementation Guide
• Educational Presentations
• USACHPPM Website
• Implementation documents
• Data reports
• Sample briefings
• Leaders Training Course

16
Program Evaluation

• Readiness Impact
• APFT measures indicate FITNESS LEVELS MAINTAINED
• No difference in pre and post APFT total scores
• Retention Impact
• 14 participants influenced NOT to Chapter 8
• Economic Benefit
• Estimated readiness and medical cost avoidance of
  18,421,020 per year
• Resourcing with existing personnel/ equipment -
  return on investment of 73.5

17
Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the PPPT program treated differently than
  other Army special population PT programs?
• No, per TSG
• Are Soldiers required to wear the PT uniform?
• Yes, until it no longer fits and then they can
  either wear a larger size or wear appropriate
  civilian fitness clothes
• Are family members allowed to attend?
• No, this is an Army unit PT program with military
  goals
• Can the program be mandatory?
• Attendance may be the Soldiers place of duty
  after HCP clearance to participate has been given

18
Desired End State

• Army wide program with proponent for oversight
  and leader training.
• Meets requirements for
• Standardization and safety
• Soldier accountability
• Management and training expertise
• Education and physical fitness training
• Measurable effectiveness
• Partnership with AMEDD and IMCOM provide support
  to sustain implementation.

19
Current Implementation Challenges

• Requirement to provide program and mandate
  enrollment and attendance
• Use standardized content and implementation
• Funding for sustainment
• Partnership of Army agencies
• Leader training by proponent SME
• Plan for Soldiers return to units for deployment
• Keep leaders updated on regulations regarding PPPT

20
The Way Ahead

• G-3/5/7
• Approve standardized Army PPPT Program
• Mandate local implementation and resourcing by
  local commanders
• Update policies (AR 350-1, FM 21-20)
• Designate specified proponent
• Coordinate with IMCOM to provide facilities/
  equipment
• USACHPPM
• Train specified proponent staff
• Assist with local trainings
• Provide medical consultation for sustained
  program
• Installation Commanders and MEDCOM
• Execute local programs IAW standardized program