Invite Letter

KACH EDO ICF Approval
IRB NUMBER: 25KACH001
EDO APPROVAL: 10/06/2025

October 2, 2025
Dear Sir or Ma’am,
Help Us Improve Soldier Readiness and Care – 10-minute survey
The Army Fitness Test (formerly the Army Combat Fitness Test) includes the threerepetition maximum deadlift (MDL) as a core event. As medical providers and Army
leaders, we share a responsibility to maximize Soldier resiliency and success during
MDL testing.
We are conducting a brief, one-time survey to better understand how healthcare
providers view and manage the deadlift in the context of Soldier care. Your input will
directly support efforts to enhance medical guidance, optimize readiness, and inform
evidence-based practices.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Able to read/understand English
- Army or Civilian healthcare provider in the following specialties:
o Occupational Therapist (OT)
o Physical Therapist (PT)
o Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
o Strength & Conditioning Coach
o Physician Assistant/Associate (PA)
o Orthopedic Physician Assistant/Associate (PA)
o Nurse Practitioner (NP)
o Physician (MD, DO)
o Orthopedic Surgeon (MD, DO)
- Currently licensed or certified
- Provide healthcare to Soldiers
Exclusion Criteria:
- Inability to read/understand English
- Not a licensed or certified healthcare provider
- Do not provide healthcare to Soldiers (i.e., “non-Army provider”; provide care
exclusively to Airmen, Marines, Sailors, etc)
Estimated time: ~10 minutes
Content: Demographics, a brief case scenario, clinical perspectives, and personal
experiences with back pain and deadlifts
Confidentiality: Responses are anonymous and coded to prevent participant
identification.
Compensation: There is no compensation for participation.
IRB Approved: Keller Army Community Hospital
Your participation is vital to shaping clinical decision-making that impacts Soldier health
and performance. If you do not wish to participate, please decline using the button
below. If you proceed to the survey and agree to the consent statement, your

KACH EDO ICF Approval
IRB NUMBER: 25KACH001
EDO APPROVAL: 10/06/2025

participation will be confirmed.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to military medicine and
readiness!
Follow this link to the Survey:
Take the survey
Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:
https://baylor.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8zWKgX9uNXzQ24m
Follow the link to opt out of future emails:
Click here to unsubscribe
Respectfully,
Patrick G. Keenan, PT, DPT
Major, U.S. Army
Fellow, Baylor-KACH Division 1 Sports Physical Therapy Fellowship
Email: patrick.g.keenan.mil@health.mil
Phone: (315) 774-8350