Modified APFT

[chemist157]

I remember at OBLC there were a bunch of people who did a modified APFT and walked instead of running. Is this possible once you start residency? I really never wanted to have to do that but I hurt my back lifting weights about 6 months ago (spondylolysis and annular tear) and it seems to flare up every time I run. I'm afraid to start running again but I'm afraid of the consequences if I can't pass the APFT.

Thanks!

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[IgD]

I think you can get a medical waiver for a portion or all of the exercise test from a medical specialist. Have you seen orthopedic surgery yet?

 

[chemist157]

I think you can get a medical waiver for a portion or all of the exercise test from a medical specialist. Have you seen orthopedic surgery yet?

Only saw my family doc who prescribed naproxen, flexeril and PT. Seems to be doing better except when I run for very long.

 

[notdeadyet]

Only saw my family doc who prescribed naproxen, flexeril and PT. Seems to be doing better except when I run for very long.

You'll need to see an Army doc, as he'll need to file a profile for you. Short-term (less than 90 days) is easy to do, and you're waived of doing any APFT test. This is probably what will be done for a back injury.

If you need longer than that, you'll need to see about going to a specialist and getting a permanent profile, which they are very reluctant to give for obvious reasons.

I'd be surprised if the folks you saw at OBLC were really doing official APFTs. Most temporary profiles will specifically say NO to APFT running, pushups, and/or situps (depending on injury) but will say YES to running, pushups, and/or situps at the soldier's own pace. So your people you saw at OBLC were probably doing the latter, but it wouldn't count for an official recorded APFT.

You can incidentally still get an official APFT with your pushups and/or situps waived, but no APFT is considered official until you can run. As soon as your profile expires, you'll be scheduled for an APFT.

 

[NateintheED]

You'll need to see an Army doc, as he'll need to file a profile for you. Short-term (less than 90 days) is easy to do, and you're waived of doing any APFT test. This is probably what will be done for a back injury.

If you need longer than that, you'll need to see about going to a specialist and getting a permanent profile, which they are very reluctant to give for obvious reasons.

I'd be surprised if the folks you saw at OBLC were really doing official APFTs. Most temporary profiles will specifically say NO to APFT running, pushups, and/or situps (depending on injury) but will say YES to running, pushups, and/or situps at the soldier's own pace. So your people you saw at OBLC were probably doing the latter, but it wouldn't count for an official recorded APFT.

You can incidentally still get an official APFT with your pushups and/or situps waived, but no APFT is considered official until you can run. As soon as your profile expires, you'll be scheduled for an APFT.

You are wrong about the APFT. It is entirely possible to complete a record APFT without having to run. There are 3 alternate cardio events - walk, bicycle and swimming, all of which you can be profiled to. If you're able to do the timed walk, that's what you will do, since it can be done on the same course as the run. The bike and swim obviously need more special arrangements made, but if that's what is specified in a soldier's profile, then that's what is done.

The nature of the injury will dictate the duration and limitations of the profile. Keep in mind, however, that you will likely be doing an APFT shortly after arriving in residency (first month), which is NOT enough time to obtain a permanent profile, if that is in fact what you need. My recommendation - suck that one up, fail if you must, deal with getting whatever rehab and/or profile you need, then go back and pass the next one. Just make sure you pass by the time you finish intern year.

 

[notdeadyet]

You are wrong about the APFT. It is entirely possible to complete a record APFT without having to run. There are 3 alternate cardio events - walk, bicycle and swimming, all of which you can be profiled to. If you're able to do the timed walk, that's what you will do, since it can be done on the same course as the run. The bike and swim obviously need more special arrangements made, but if that's what is specified in a soldier's profile, then that's what is done.

Are you sure you aren't referring to someone on permanent profile? I was injured and told by the military doc that if someone on temporary profile wasn't able to do the run, it was not considered one of the twice year APFT's you need to pass. The bike/walk/swim was mentioned only in the context of someone on permanent profile.

Of the doc I saw just gave out bad info. Wouldn't shock my world...

 

[Caverject]

Are you sure you aren't referring to someone on permanent profile? I was injured and told by the military doc that if someone on temporary profile wasn't able to do the run, it was not considered one of the twice year APFT's you need to pass. The bike/walk/swim was mentioned only in the context of someone on permanent profile.

Of the doc I saw just gave out bad info. Wouldn't shock my world...

As far as I know, the bike, walk, & swim is only available to those on a permanent profile. If you are on a temporary profile from the run, you don't take the test until you are able to. Permanent profiles are a completely different animal...

 

[IgD]

I don't think the military physical fitness test is a big deal. If you can't take it you will stick out like a green thumb. Unless you have some obvious medical issue that prevents you from taking the test people will get frustrated and look down on you. I would recommend figuring out how to pass. Get a personal trainer at the gym if you must.

 

[73BARMYPgsp]

I don't think the military physical fitness test is a big deal. If you can't take it you will stick out like a green thumb. Unless you have some obvious medical issue that prevents you from taking the test people will get frustrated and look down on you. I would recommend figuring out how to pass. Get a personal trainer at the gym if you must.

Ummm, I'm not that kind of doctor, but it sounds like the OP is in pain when he runs from an injury. Not really a personal trainer at the gym kind of problem.

 

[AnnaBananax]

My understanding is that if you are a healthy profile-free soldier record APFTs involve the run.

If you are on a temporary profile that precludes your running and you miss an APFT you have to complete a record APFT following your recovery period.

If you are on a permanent profile, your record APFT cardio event can be a walk, bike or swim, depending on what the profile dictates. (In contrast to the Navy PRT, in which sailors have a choice as to which cardio event they participate in)

BUT

It is entirely within your Commander's purview to require you to complete a non-record APFT on the APFT day, adhering to the standards set forth in your profile...this could include walking or just doing push-ups and sit-ups. (I imagine this is what you saw at OBLC)

OP, if you are planning on pursuing a profile, I would encourage you to do a "trial run" of the APFT walk. You have to move at a pretty decent clip to do it in the allotted time, and I wouldn't be surprised if this aggravates your back as well. If you know this in advance, you can request a profile limiting you to biking or swimming.

 

[IgD]

Ummm, I'm not that kind of doctor, but it sounds like the OP is in pain when he runs from an injury. Not really a personal trainer at the gym kind of problem.

Sure it is, the trainer will assess your limitations and come up with a custom workout plan for you. They probably know at least 10 different exercises for each muscle group which is helpful if there are specific exercises you can't tolerate. They will stand there as you work out and give you feedback as to your form to prevent injuries. They also push you harder than what you could do on your own.

 

[notdeadyet]

Sure it is, the trainer will assess your limitations and come up with a custom workout plan for you.

For someone recovering from spondylolysis and annular tear? I'd go with seeing a doctor, getting a referral to a PT, then hiring the personal trainer at the gym if you need the motivation.

From most of the personal trainers I've met, I wouldn't go to them in search of the best exercise regime to help me recover from a back injury. I'll take someone with a semblance of medical training.