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Periodic health evaluation in Para athletes: a position statement based on expert consensus
Larissa Pinheiro1, Evert Verhagen2, Juliana Ocarino1
1School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine
|October 16, 2024
Summary
Periodic health evaluations (PHEs) are crucial for monitoring Para athletes
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Para Sports Science
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
Background:
- Para athletes experience diverse sports-related injuries and illnesses, often facing healthcare access barriers.
- The periodic health evaluation (PHE) is vital for ongoing health monitoring, condition screening, and identifying performance barriers in Para athletes.
- Existing guidelines require enhancement to specifically address the unique health needs of Para athletes across various impairment categories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide guidance for sports healthcare providers on conducting effective periodic health evaluations (PHEs) for Para athletes.
- To address key impairment categories including intellectual, musculoskeletal, neurological, and vision impairments.
- To outline comprehensive assessment considerations for Para athlete health, performance, and well-being.
Main Methods:
- A consensus-based position statement developed by a panel of 15 international experts in Para athlete health.
- Expert panel included epidemiologists, physiotherapists, optometrists, and physicians.
- Discussions and working group sessions focused on clinical, cardiorespiratory, neuromusculoskeletal, nutritional, mental, sleep, concussion, and female Para athlete health.
Main Results:
- The PHE's comprehensive approach, including health history and physical assessments, is effective for understanding Para athlete needs.
- Considerations must integrate sport-specific requirements and individual impairment characteristics.
- PHEs can mitigate under-reporting of health issues by Para athletes and facilitate early, tailored interventions.
Conclusions:
- Periodic health evaluations are essential for optimizing Para athlete health and performance.
- This position statement offers a framework to improve the quality of healthcare for Para athletes.
- Enhanced clinical translation of PHEs can lead to better health outcomes and preventive strategies for Para athletes.
