Posted on Jun 12, 2015
PT, when will we focus on performing exercises correctly?
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We have all done PT to some extent, but when you joined were you ever taught the proper way to do a push-up? sit-up? run with proper form? We have some many injuries and reoccurring injuries and I can't think of one time in my career that I have heard of this being taught.
I feel that we are contributing to injuries by giving SMs time and quantity standards, but enforce very few standards on proper form or technique. Did you know that doing a sit-up with your hand behind your head (like required on the APFT) can aggravate a neck or upper back injury? Do SMs know that their knee shouldn't extend past their ankle when doing squats and lunges? For those interested in fitness, most of this information is common sense. Yet, we are assuming that all SMs have a fitness background when most of them do not.
Why don't we incorporate proper technique and injury prevention training into the PT program? (I would hope that MFT do this at many commands, but I have never seen it)
I feel that we are contributing to injuries by giving SMs time and quantity standards, but enforce very few standards on proper form or technique. Did you know that doing a sit-up with your hand behind your head (like required on the APFT) can aggravate a neck or upper back injury? Do SMs know that their knee shouldn't extend past their ankle when doing squats and lunges? For those interested in fitness, most of this information is common sense. Yet, we are assuming that all SMs have a fitness background when most of them do not.
Why don't we incorporate proper technique and injury prevention training into the PT program? (I would hope that MFT do this at many commands, but I have never seen it)
Physical Training
Fitness
APFT
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 4
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Good point, but I don't know how you'd be able to standardize a test based on form. Maybe exchange sit-ups for a timed plank?
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SGT Kristin Wiley
I don't think the test should be evaluated based on form. I think we need to education SMs so they WANT to have correct form knowing that it prevent injuries and help them build muscle correctly. Incorrect methods do not only lead to injury, but sacrifice muscle building for joint and ligament damage. Encouraging this during normal PT, will help SMs use correct form on the APFT.
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I hope they do it soon. I know that I have gone from being able to do all events, to now only doing the walk. I am broke and I strongly believe that part of it is because we were never really shown proper technique.
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SGT Kristin Wiley
SFC (Join to see)
I feel your pain. We did a ruck mark at Fort Bragg and our platoon sergeant chose a spot out by the motorpool where the walking path was mostly sharp rocks. I don't think it occurred to him that the extra weight on our bodies and walking on sharp rockets could cause injuries. I came down hard on the point of one of the rocks and it snapped through the sole of my boot, I've had foot pain on that side ever since. So I am also stuck doing the walk, which I feel only further aggravates it due the endurance, increased distance, and speed it requires. It hurts your hips, shins, and almost any injury you may have already had.
Then from doing Airborne operations I had two whiplash injuries do to the helmet being too heavy for my head (according to the doctor). I still have neck pain to this day, and sit-ups put unnecessary pressure on it. My physical therapist didn't even want me doing push-ups after the Army finally attempted to treat the injuries....three years later (I guess they thought I was a shammer?)
The sit-up is one of the worse exercises for neck, back, and abdominal injuries, yet we have SMs abuse their bodies with unnecessary speed in the name of 'fitness'. Most of these SMs aren't even using their abdominal muscles, but putting undue pressure on their hip flexors (a PT mat does not save your tailbone when conducting this on hard surfaces either!). If you look at the push-up, there are so many ways you can have poor form. Incorrect posture (plank position) can lead to spine misalignment, and wrong position of the hands and elbows can lead to shoulder injuries and stress the elbow ligaments/tendons. It's appalling the lack of injury prevention training soldiers receive.
I feel your pain. We did a ruck mark at Fort Bragg and our platoon sergeant chose a spot out by the motorpool where the walking path was mostly sharp rocks. I don't think it occurred to him that the extra weight on our bodies and walking on sharp rockets could cause injuries. I came down hard on the point of one of the rocks and it snapped through the sole of my boot, I've had foot pain on that side ever since. So I am also stuck doing the walk, which I feel only further aggravates it due the endurance, increased distance, and speed it requires. It hurts your hips, shins, and almost any injury you may have already had.
Then from doing Airborne operations I had two whiplash injuries do to the helmet being too heavy for my head (according to the doctor). I still have neck pain to this day, and sit-ups put unnecessary pressure on it. My physical therapist didn't even want me doing push-ups after the Army finally attempted to treat the injuries....three years later (I guess they thought I was a shammer?)
The sit-up is one of the worse exercises for neck, back, and abdominal injuries, yet we have SMs abuse their bodies with unnecessary speed in the name of 'fitness'. Most of these SMs aren't even using their abdominal muscles, but putting undue pressure on their hip flexors (a PT mat does not save your tailbone when conducting this on hard surfaces either!). If you look at the push-up, there are so many ways you can have poor form. Incorrect posture (plank position) can lead to spine misalignment, and wrong position of the hands and elbows can lead to shoulder injuries and stress the elbow ligaments/tendons. It's appalling the lack of injury prevention training soldiers receive.
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Don't you know? The prevailing wisdom is that if it hurts it must be better for you
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