PT, when will we focus on performing exercises correctly?

SGT Kristin Wiley — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 09:03:30 -0400

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)

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 9:06 AM

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 09:06:15 -0400

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?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 11:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 11:17:43 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 11:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 23:51:28 -0400

SGT Wiley, there are a lot of leaders who don't believe in PRT because they don't know how to use. I was in the Army when we had FM 21-20. I heard the same complaints, "It doesn't work"....it didn't work because we didn't use it. Now it's the same thing with PRT. I know the intent for movement screening is there, but once again no one enforces it. I always spent the first month of PRT working on form, we just have to effect change when and where we can, everyone is not concerned about, until they get hurt!

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Jun 17 at 2015 11:16 AM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 11:16:08 -0400

Don't you know? The prevailing wisdom is that if it hurts it must be better for you