Focusing the preparticipation sports examination

Athletic preparticipation evaluations are among the most common routine health screening tools, yet no standardized approach to these evaluations has been adopted. This paper presents a focused preparticipation examination form developed by the authors with the assistance of the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians' Task Force on Sports Medicine. After reviewing the major studies of preparticipation examinations, 11 basic questions that identify specific risks for sports participation were selected. Three specific components form the core of the physical examination: blood pressure measurement, a comprehensive orthopedic examination, and cardiovascular auscultation. Other portions of the physical examination may be included because of sport-specific risks or problems identified in the history, but are not routine. The rationale for this form and guidelines for the physician to make recommendations for sports participation and timing of reevaluation are discussed.