THE PREPARTICIPATION SPORTS EXAMINATION

The preparticipation sports examination is designed to identify condit ions that would preclude or would be worsened by sports participation. It is not a comprehensive examination but is used by many teens as su ch. The history is the most productive aspect of the examination in te rms of detecting conditions that preclude sports participation. The tw o systems that are highlighted in the preparticipation sports examinat ion are the musculoskeletal and cardiac systems. Laboratory and exerci se testing can je used as adjuncts to the history and physical examina tion. To the extent that old, unrehabilitated injuries are identified and rehabilitation can be initiated, the preparticipation sports exami nation can be a tool to prevent further injuries.