The intent of the Army Pregnancy Postpartum Physical Training (P3T) Program is to implement a mandatory standardized Army-wide PPPT Program.   The P3T Program is aligned with exercise recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.  Policies released in recent years strengthen the ability of local P3T Programs to meet approved Army standards.

• AR 40-501, 7-9 and 7-10
• AR 350-1, Appendix G-9a (10 and 11)
• FM 7-22, chapter 4

MEDCOM, as the program proponent, through the USAPHC maintains the P3T educational materials and offers a train-the-trainer leader course for P3T leadership. Local senior commanders are responsible for execution according to the implementation standards set forth in the USAPHC TG 255 series, Pregnancy Postpartum Physical Training Program Manuals.  Standardized program execution progresses as leaders are educated regarding P3T, new responsibilities established, and adequate personnel trained to fill the needs of local P3T Programs.

ARMY P3T PROGRAM EVALUATION SURVEYS NEW!! SEE LINKS BELOW                                          

Whether as a participant, leader, or unit commander, you play a vital role in the evaluation of the Army P3T Program. Your input will help assess how well this program is meeting participant needs, if it is being implemented to Army standards, determine the level of command knowledge and support for the P3T Program,  and evaluate the program's impact on unit readiness and resilience.  Please submit answers to ALL the questions.

PARTICIPANT SURVEYS Links allow for participants to input responses from any computer with internet access and are optimized for data collection via mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computers).  Thank you in advance for completing the surveys. 

PREGNANT SOLDIER  -  complete the Pregnant Soldier Survey between 37 and 40 weeks gestation.

http://go.usa.gov/23kG

POSTPARTUM SOLDIER - complete the Postpartum Soldier Survey as a condition of disenrollment.

http://go.usa.gov/23kz

LEADER SURVEY (FY2012)  - P3T Program Coordinators (OIC, NCOIC, ME, EC) complete once annually

         http://go.usa.gov/238C                           

COMMAND SURVEY (FY2012) - Installation/DIV/BDE/BN leaders complete once annually upon request  

https://usaphcapps.amedd.army.mil/Survey/se.ashx?s=251137451A1A5C56

For those implementing local P3T Programs there is additional information and resources on the PPPT AKO website . The P3T AKO website is password protected and requires CAC verification.  Once you open the page, save it to your favorites so it is easy to access again.  Some of the items available to you on AKO are:

• Technical Guide 255 A-F series
• P3T participant orientation packet
• Education class core curriculum presentations
• Templates for P3T Policy Memorandum, SOP, and OPORD
• P3T Program Overview Brief, Video, Fact Sheet, Information Paper
• Sample exercise sessions

P3T Phase I Course

This first phase is a set of eight self-paced on-line modules that includes didactic sessions, video lessons, reading assignments, and participation in three one-hour DCO classes.  The DCO classes are optional but highly recommended, and should be attended after the on-line modules are completed.  Once the online modules have been completed the enrollee will be provided a link to the required written exam. Upon passing the written exam with an 80%, the enrollee will be eligible for the P3T Phase II course.  Participants will receive access to the Phase I modules after registering for the course. Click here for a listing of Phase I module topics.

Phase I course modules are expected to be ready in the third quarter of FY2013.  Scheduled dates and times for the P3T DCO classes will be provided upon course registration. 

 P3T Phase II course

The second phase is a 4-day on-site course focusing on practical application of the Phase I content. Phase II includes training on exercise performance, exercise session oversight, training exercise leaders, use of program implementation tools, and a practical exam.  Participation is physically active and consists of land and water exercise skills training with practical application of the principles of pregnancy and postpartum physical training.  Click here for the general agenda of the Phase II course.  The schedule for Phase II course offerings is listed on the registration application.

Based on the memorandums from SECARMY and SECDEF on risk mitigation for fiscal uncertainty, the P3T Phase II training courses are 'on hold' until further notice. 

Register for the P3T Train-the-Trainer Leader Course (currently unavailable)

 

Prerequisites

Must be senior enlisted (E-6 and above) Soldiers or DoD civilian.  Must have been designated to serve in a P3T leader position.  Medical or fitness training or experience, i.e., previous P3T exercise leader experience or having completed the new MFT course, is optimal. The target audience is unit NCOs and health care providers involved in P3T Program implementation. 

 

Sponsor
USAPHC, Army Institute of Public Health, Health Promotion and Wellness, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD  21010-5403.  If you have any questions regarding the P3T Train-the-Trainer Leader Course contact the PPPT Course Director at DHPWWebContacts2@amedd.army.mil or phone commercial (410) 436-4656, DSN 584-4656.

 

Remarks

There are no fees for this course, however, USAPHC funds are NOT available for attendee TDY expenses for Phase II.  It is the responsibility of the attendee installation/unit to provide funds for all TDY expenses. Transportation and lodging arrangements are the responsibility of the attendee. Lodging on post is recommended. No meals provided. Accessibility to a DFAC and local shuttle for transportation varies according to the course location. Contact the P3T Course Director at commercial (410) 436-4656, DSN 584-4656 to obtain local POC contact information for specific answers related to these topics. Uniform is ACUs with athletic shoes, PT attire is also recommended.  Swimwear is recommended but not required.  Attendees will receive a DA87, certificate of training, upon completion of this course. 

Credit hours (Category II) for nurses, health educators, physical therapists are available. Attendees must turn in their paperwork to their own credentialing entity.

Current Literature and Resources

Pregnancy Clinical Practice Guidelines   Office of Quality Management website that provides VA/DoD guidelines, provider and patient information, shopping cart, and much more related to the management of pregnancy.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Exercising During Pregnancy  Answers to frequently asked questions regarding exercise during pregnancy.  Additional educational FAQs available on the ACOG Patient page.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Committee Opinion 267  ACOG's official guidance and safety recommendations for exercise during pregnancy and postpartum periods.  Reaffirmed in 2009.

Armed Forces Operational OBGYN Instructions and Orders  Guidance from all the miltary services on Obstetrics and Gynecology Instructions

Exercising For Two   A study was presented at the Experimental Biology 2011 meeting in Washington by researchers from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.  Findings indicate that babies born to mothers who exercised while pregnant were found to have healthier hearts than other infants a full month after delivery.  Amazing research for those involved in promoting the benefits of exercise late into pregnancy!

Fitness for 2: Moms-to-be should be exercising — and dads, too  By Allison Pattillo                                                                      A doctor-approved fitness program during pregnancy can fight stress and contribute to your overall well-being — and your baby’s.  Doctors recommend pregnant women get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most, if not all, days to help relieve aches and pains, improve mood, sleep and energy, prevent pregnancy-related diabetes and promote an easier birth and faster recovery. (Dec 7, 2011 MILITARY TIMES)

Getting Back into Shape After Pregnancy  Military OneSource webpage that provides information on ways to get back into shape after having a baby, including tips on exercise, nutrition, rest, and restoring posture.

Soldiers don fake belly, breasts to better understand pregnant troops' exercise concerns  By Seth Robson,   Noncommissioned officers at Camp Zama took turns wearing the “pregnancy simulators” as they stretched, twisted and exercised during a three-day class that teaches them to serve as fitness instructors for pregnant soldiers and new mothers. (Stars and Stripes, February 16, 2012)