Physiotherapist delivered preparticipation examination: rationale and evidence

Preparticipation examinations are often performed based on the assumption that the exam contributes to the identification of risk factors for injury and, therefore, lead to the implementation of appropriate injury prevention strategies for athletes. Research evidence supporting the components, benefits, and limitations of the preparticipation examination performed by a physiotherapist is the focus of this paper. Evidence exists that some specific preparticipation examination components will identify known risk factors which may be addressed in the context of injury prevention strategies for that athlete. Examinations should use existing evidence-based practice to identify valid and appropriate tests examining known risk factors. Physiotherapists are encouraged to continue development, implementation, and evaluation of appropriate training techniques for the athletes to minimize their risk of injury. Physiotherapists need to be aware of athlete confidentiality issues as well as the importance of cost effectiveness of preparticipation examinations. The future of physiotherapist delivered preparticipation examinations may lie in the utilization of an evidence-based approach to risk factor identification, development and evaluation of prevention strategies, and development and evaluation of performance enhancement strategies for the athlete.