The intent of the Army Pregnancy Postpartum Physical Training (PPPT) Program is to implement a mandatory standardized Army-wide PPPT Program. The updated policies released in recent years strengthen the ability of local PPPT Programs to meet approved Army standards.

• AR 40-501, 7-9 and 7-10
• AR 350-1, Appendix G-9a (10 and 11)
• TC 3-22.20, 4.21-4.25

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

ARMY PPPT PROGRAM INDIVIDUAL SOLDIER EVALUATION SURVEY
As a PPPT Program participant, you play a vital role in the evaluation of the Army PPPT Program. Your input on this survey will help us to assess how well this program is meeting participant needs and evaluate the program's impact on unit readiness.

Please complete and submit answers to ALL the questions. The timeframe to be reported on is for the period in which you participated in a PPPT Program. Thank you in advance for completing the survey.

Click here to access the survey, http://usaphcapps.amedd.army.mil/surv2/?sid=129

For those implementing local PPPT Programs there is additional information and resources on the PPPT AKO website . The PPPT 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
• PPPT participant orientation packet
• Education class core curriculum presentations
• Templates for PPPT Policy Memorandum, SOP, and OPORD
• PPPT Program Overveiw Brief, Video, Fact Sheet, Information Paper

Description
This course provides guidance to PPPT Program Instructor Trainers (IT) and Medical Experts (ME) on establishing and operating a local PPPT consolidated program through didactic and hands-on training along with the use of instructional videos.  Training is based on the US Army Pregnancy/Postpartum Physical Training Program Technical Guide 255A-F Series. Course completion requires passing a written and practical examination.

Prerequisites

Must be DoD civilian, DoD contractor, or senior enlisted (E-6 and above) Soldiers.  Must have some medical or fitness background training or experience, and have been designated or assigned in a PPPT ME or IT position. The target audience includes health care providers and unit leadership involved in local PPPT 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 PPPT 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 USAPHC funds available for this TDY. 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 PPPT Course Director at commercial (410) 436-4656, DSN 584-4656 to obtain local POC contact information for specific answers related to these topics. This is not a certification course, however, you will receive a certificate of training.  Uniform is PT attire.  Swimwear is recommended but not required.

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.

Current Literature

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!

Genetics' new frontier: What mom eats, weighs in  The rising field of epigenetics is revealing how diet, behavior and the environment are reprogramming the genes we're dealt at conception.  How genes get expressed during pregnancy can set child up for obesity, diabetes.  (L.A .TIMES)

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)