DISQUALIFYING CRITERIA IN A PREPARTICIPATION SPORTS EVALUATION

Background. This study was undertaken to demonstrate the relative freq uency of disqualifying criteria in a complete history and physical spo rts examination.Methods. A review was conducted of 2574 preparticipati on physical evaluations (PPEs) performed on 11- to 18-year-old student athletes to determine which factors are associated with denial of unr estricted sports participation. Results. Eighty-five percent of the st udent athletes passed the screening. Of those who did not, the denial decision was based on the medical history alone in 58% of cases (P<.05 ). A logistic regression analysis identified seven items associated wi th denial: dizziness with exercise, history of asthma, body mass index , systolic blood pressure, visual acuity, heart murmur, and musculoske letal examination. Conclusions. Although physicians often take a compl ete history and perform physical examinations, relatively few variable s appear related to denial of eligibility for participation in organiz ed sports. The history is one of the most important aspects of the PPE . A directed PPE may be more efficient, thereby allowing more time to address other important issues.