THE PREPARTICIPATION PHYSICAL-EXAMINATION - MAYO-CLINIC EXPERIENCE WITH 2,739 EXAMINATIONS

Objective: To report the results of preparticipation physical examinat ion (PPE) performed on 2,739 high school athletes and present a model for providing PPEs in similar practice settings. Design: We analyzed 2 ,739 PPEs performed on high school athletes by means of a station exam ination approach in our Sports Medicine Center during a 3-year period. Material and Methods: Personnel from the Departments of Physical Medi cine and Rehabilitation, Orthopedics, Family Medicine, and Internal Me dicine participated in performance of a comprehensive station-based ph ysical examination of high school athletes. The final reviewing physic ian assigned one of three dispositions to each athlete: cleared for pa rticipation in sports, not cleared, or cleared with follow-up recommen ded. Results: On the basis of PPE findings, 53 athletes (1.9%) were di squalified from participation in sports. Abnormalities that did not pr eclude participation but necessitated follow-up were identified in ano ther 327 athletes (11.9%). Musculoskeletal problems were the leading c ause of restriction from sports activities (43.4%) and the second lead ing cause for recommended follow-up (27.8%). Clinically significant ca rdiac abnormalities were noted in only 10 athletes (0.37% of the overa ll group of students). Our methods and results are discussed in relati onship to previous PPE studies. Conclusion: On the basis of this study , me conclude that (1) a Sports Medicine Clinic can efficiently admini ster PPEs to a large number of athletes by using an adaptable station approach, (2) the musculoskeletal component of a PPE is an important p art of the process that often reveals abnormalities and should be perf ormed by qualified personnel, and (3) each practice must refine its de livery of PPEs on the basis of its particular environment.