Navy announces universal training precautions for physical exercise

The Navy released NAVADMIN 108/19, May 10, alerting Sailors and command leadership of the importance of universal training precautions (UTP) in an effort to reduce the risk of exercise-related collapse and death during physical exercise, to include the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) and command-level physical training. Some of the NAVADMIN highlights are as follows:

Personal risk factors for exercise-related collapse include:

Recent or current illness, accumulated fatigue or dehydration.

Poor baseline conditioning and excess body fat.

A predisposing or underlying cardiac condition, sickle cell trait (SCT), or exercise induced asthma.

Environmental or external risk factors include:

Exercise at altitude.

High ambient temperature and/or humidity

Use of dietary supplements containing stimulants to include energy shots and drinks.

Commanders are encouraged to exercise a liberal “Bad Day PRT” policy for Sailors displaying clear signs of distress during the PRT, allowing those Sailors to prioritize personal safety over a PRT score. Sailors who fail to complete any portion of the PRT or show any early signs of exercise distress may be authorized a Bad Day PRT and will be required to be examined by medical professionals before attempting the PRT again.

Additionally, Sailors must complete the follow-on PRT within seven days following medical clearance, within 45 days of the body composition assessment date and within the current Navy Physical Fitness Assessment cycle. Any Sailors who fail to complete the Bad Day PRT for a second time must be screened by medical professionals for the possibility of a medical waiver or enrollment in the Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP).

For more information, read the entire NAVADMIN at https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/messages/Documents/NAVADMINS/NAV2019/NAV19108.txt.

Informational videos for Sailors with SCT, first responders, and sickle cell trait awareness for medical personnel can be found at: https://www.hprc-online.org/articles/sickle-cell-trait-awareness.

Guidance on heat injury prevention and treatment can be found at: https://www.hprc-online.org/articles/ heat-illness-prevention-treatment-and-recovery.

Supplement guidance is available through Operation Supplement Safety at: https://www.opss.org/.