The pre-participation sports exam (PPE) is not meant to be a comprehensive physical exam, but instead it is meant to do the following:
- Identify any life-threatening conditions that could lead to complications during sports participation. Medical conditions that may present problems in young athletes include cardiovascular conditions, such as ;
- " Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- " Coronary artery anomalies
- " Myocarditis
- " Aortic rupture (Marfan syndrome)
- Identify any conditions that should be treated before sports participation. Conditions that require treatment before exercise include ;
- " Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB)
- " High blood pressure
- " Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia
- " Diabetes
- " Musculoskelatal problems (i.e., hamstring tightness and ankle weakness)
- Remove any unnecessary previous restrictions on sports participation. Some conditions lead physicians to restrict teenagers’ participation in sports; however, when managed appropriately, these conditions can safely coexist with sports activities. Examples of these conditions include Osgood-Schlatter disease and obesity.
- Diagnose any old injuries and treat them accordingly. Previous injury is the strongest predictor of future sports injury.
- M Provide suggestions as to how athletes can prevent injuries and perhaps even optimize performance.
The PPE usually takes place four to six weeks before the sports season, so doctors have enough time to diagnose and treat any relevant musculoskeletal injuries or conditions. Depending on your school, one doctor
may conduct the entire examination, or you may go through a series of stations specifi c to certain areas of your body. You may also go to your family physician for your PPE, or have it done on-site at your school.
The PPE consists of the following components:
- Your medical history, including a history of your general medical health, cardiovascular history, and family history of certain diseases and conditions. The doctor performing the exam will pay particular attention to any current conditions you have, prior surgeries, loss of organ function, current medications you are taking, any history of heat-related illness, your immunization (shot) history, menstrual history if you are female, and any history of rapid weight loss or gain.
- Your injury history, including past injuries, loss of consciousness after a past head injury, or previous exclusion from sports for any reason.
- Your cardiovascular history, including any history of high blood pressure, heart murmur, heart palpitations, dizziness or shortness of breath during exercise, chest pain, or family history of cardiovascular disease.
- A musculoskeletal exam, including tests for fl exibility and strength, and a review of any previous injuries.
- A check of your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythms.
- An eye exam.
- Screening for conditions that may restrict sports participation. These conditions include scoliosis, elbow dislocation, knee instability, femur fracture, single testicle in males, recurrent concussion, abdominal mass, or heart arrhythmia.
- M Detection of any other medical conditions that may restrict participation in your chosen sport.
At the end of the PPE, your doctor will give you full clearance to participate in your sport, clearance to participate with limitations, or exclusion from participation until further evaluation. The doctor may also order follow-up tests or make recommendations for the athlete to follow prior to or during participation. If the doctor places any restrictions on your participation, he or she will discuss these with you clearly and give you a plan for treatment or limitations.
Read More : The Pre-Participation Exam
