Command support for the Army Pregnancy Postpartum Physical Training (P3T) Program: Three perspectives

PURPOSE. The P3T Program is a mandatory exercise and education program designed to assist Army Soldiers in preventing excess antepartum weight gain, maintaining fitness during pregnancy, and facilitating postpartum return to Army fitness and body composition standards. Surveys of participating Soldiers and leaders suggest outcomes may differ based on command support. This evaluation examined what effects stakeholder perceptions of command support may have on outcomes.

METHODS. Stakeholder surveys were distributed at an Army installation with historically high implementation standards. Perceptions of support were assessed from participating Soldiers (n = 305), Program leaders (n = 1; combined survey), and command personnel (n = 121). Perceived command support among participants was compared to participant fitness and body composition outcomes.

RESULTS. Most participants (n = 241, 79%) agreed or strongly agreed that their command supported Soldier participation in P3T. Program leaders disagreed that they had sufficient command support. Few participants believed P3T helped participants meet body composition (28.5%; n = 87) and fitness standards (35.4%; n = 108). P3T leaders reported 10% or fewer of attendees met fitness standards and 11-20% met body composition standards within 180 days postpartum.

CONCLUSIONS. Differing perceptions of command support among P3T leaders and participants may reflect a high command encouragement for Soldier participation, but low command support for consistent implementation. Participant beliefs that the program is not beneficial may reflect these implementation deficiencies, rather than low command support, as hypothesized. These findings can guide future adjustments to program implementation to align with demands of unit OPTEMPO, participating Soldiers' needs, unit leader education about the P3T program mission, and availability of training and resources.