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The adolescent preparticipation physical examination. Is it helpful?
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA. MetzlJ@HSS.EDU
Clinics in Sports Medicine
|October 6, 2000
Summary
The preparticipation examination (PPE) for young athletes lacks consistent standards, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Updating this common medical screening is crucial given evolving sports participation and sports medicine.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Adolescent Health
- Preventive Cardiology
Background:
- The preparticipation examination (PPE) is a standard screening for athletes to identify medical limitations.
- Current PPE practices exhibit significant inconsistency in content and methodology.
- This lack of uniformity can compromise the overall effectiveness of the screening process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the history, efficiency, and nature of athletic screening in adolescents.
- To offer specific suggestions for future improvements to the adolescent PPE.
- To highlight the need for updating the PPE in light of changing sports demographics and advancements in sports medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of the history and evolution of the preparticipation examination.
- Analysis of current practices and inconsistencies in adolescent athletic screening.
- Formulation of recommendations for enhancing the future PPE.
Main Results:
- The preparticipation examination (PPE) is widely used but lacks standardized protocols.
- Inconsistencies in PPE content and methods reduce its overall effectiveness.
- Adolescent sports participation and demographics are rapidly changing.
Conclusions:
- The adolescent PPE, a key interaction point with the healthcare system, requires modernization.
- Standardization of the PPE is essential to improve its efficacy and ensure athlete safety.
- Updates should reflect current trends in adolescent sports and sports medicine.