The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation

Pediatr Ann. 2017 Mar 1;46(3):e85-e92. doi: 10.3928/19382359-20170222-01.

Abstract

With rising rates of sports participation among children and adolescents, pediatricians are increasingly being called upon to perform preparticipation physical evaluations (PPEs) for young athletes. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the general structure of a comprehensive PPE and how the PPE differs from a typical health maintenance visit. The PPE focuses attention on screening for cardiac conditions that predispose athletes to sudden cardiac death with exercise. This review also addresses the debate over whether electrocardiogram screening should be a routine required part of the PPE. In addition to cardiac screening, evaluation and management of musculoskeletal injury, concussion, and the female athlete triad will be discussed in greater detail. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(3):e85-e92.].

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis
  • Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
  • Brain Concussion / diagnosis
  • Brain Concussion / etiology
  • Brain Concussion / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Female Athlete Triad Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Female Athlete Triad Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis
  • Heart Diseases / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Medical History Taking
  • Pediatrics
  • Physical Examination / methods*
  • Youth Sports*