Training for the air force fitness assessment: The experience of postpartum women

Abstract

Active duty personnel in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) are required to pass periodic fitness assessments in order to facilitate and evaluate physical readiness. Pregnant women are exempt from testing but must take the fitness test 6 months after childbirth. However, evidence from prior research indicates that in the first 6 months postpartum, women may not achieve prepregnancy fitness levels and may be more vulnerable to mental and physical health problems. It is important for health care clinicians to understand how training for the USAF fitness test after childbirth may impact health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to develop a deep understanding of the experiences of postpartum USAF women as they train for their fitness assessment. Understanding was sought through a phenomenological study by interpreting the meaning of the lived experiences of 17 active duty women at two USAF bases. Two overarching patterns emerged from this analysis: ‘Striving to Perform under Pressure through Profound Life Transitions of Childbirth’ and ‘Seeking Understanding from Others.’ These results provide insight into the challenges postpartum women encounter while training for their fitness assessments, and they can inform practices that facilitate efforts of women in reluming to optimal fitness and well-being.