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preparticipation

Preparticipation refers to the process of evaluating an individual before they participate in organized sport or other vigorous physical activity. It is commonly called a preparticipation examination (PPE) or preparticipation screening. The primary purpose is to identify medical conditions or risk factors that could put the athlete at increased risk of injury, sudden illness, or adverse events during exercise, and to establish medical clearance to participate.

Core elements typically include a review of medical history (personal and family), a targeted physical examination,

Who conducts and when: PPEs are typically performed by physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or other

Process and outcomes: The evaluation relies on history, examination, and clinical judgment to determine clearance to

Effectiveness and debates: PPEs can improve identification of risk factors, but evidence on reducing adverse events

and,
in
some
settings,
cardiovascular
screening
and
baseline
fitness
assessment.
Cardiovascular
considerations
may
involve
questions
about
syncope,
chest
pain,
or
family
history
of
premature
cardiac
disease,
along
with
routine
measures
such
as
blood
pressure,
vision,
and
hearing
checks.
In
certain
jurisdictions
or
programs,
electrocardiography
(ECG)
may
be
included
for
higher-risk
populations
or
where
guidelines
recommend
it.
Concussion
assessment
and
musculoskeletal
screening
may
also
be
part
of
the
evaluation
to
identify
issues
requiring
management
or
restrictions.
qualified
clinicians
in
clinics,
schools,
or
sports
medicine
centers.
They
are
often
required
by
schools,
clubs,
leagues,
or
governing
bodies
and
are
usually
scheduled
annually
or
before
the
start
of
a
new
sport
season.
participate,
with
instructions
for
conditioning,
follow-up,
or
referrals.
If
abnormal
findings
arise,
individuals
may
be
restricted,
referred
to
specialists,
or
advised
against
participation.
is
mixed.
Debates
focus
on
cost,
access,
potential
for
false
positives,
privacy,
and
variation
in
guidelines
across
regions
and
organizations.