Evaluation of "Healthy Beginnings"; Fort Carson's Pregnancy Physical Training Program
Abstract
As the operational tempo of the armed services increases, all soldiers are expected to be in top physical condition to endure military operations and increase unit readiness. With women now making up 11 percent of the military, special issues, such as pregnancy, become significant to the health and readiness of the Armed Forces. Fort Carson's Mountain Post Wellness Center initiated a mandatory pregnancy physical training program, named "Healthy Beginnings," as an effort to help female soldiers maintain good physical condition during pregnancy and after delivery. This retrospective study evaluates "Healthy Beginnings" to determine if frequent attendees of the program actually had healthier pregnancies, fewer complications, and a quicker recovery of aerobic and strength fitness than soldiers who attended less frequently. Using attendance rosters and obstetric records, 111 soldiers were divided into two groups. Those who attended "Healthy Beginnings" 50 percent of the time or more over the course of the soldier's pregnancy and in the 6 months allotted for post-partum recovery were compared to those who attended less than 50 percent of the time. Four variables were used in the comparison: gestation period, presence or absence of complications during pregnancy or delivery, weight gain, and a passing or failing grade on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The chi square test was used to analyze the variables of "complications" and "APFT results"; the student's t test was performed on the remaining variables. A significant difference (p < 0.05) between exercise groups was found only for the APFT variable, where frequent attendees of the program were significantly more likely than infrequent attendees to pass the APFT during the post-partum period. Recommendations are made to continue "Healthy Beginnings" because of the social, psychological, and educational benefits it offers active-duty soldiers. (2 tables, 4 figures, 36 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 20, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA421041
Entities
People
- Jane F. Schillaci