Sports Participation Physical Examinations

Physical examinations that are used to screen athletes to ensure that it is safe for them to participate in a particular sport. Athletic screenings can identify abnormalities such as heart disease, respiratory illnesses (e.g., asthma), musculoskeletal disorders, prior history of trauma to knees and shoulders, concussion history, and weight training/overtraining; and help reduce associated risks with organized sports or athletics. The goals of the exam are to evaluate the athlete's overall health status; assess his or her size, developmental maturation and present fitness level; evaluate existing injuries; and detect congenital anomalies or other conditions that may put the athlete at increased risk of injury or sudden death while playing sports.