From the Guidelines
A sports medicine exam should include a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, musculoskeletal evaluation, cardiovascular assessment, neurological testing, vision and hearing screenings, laboratory tests, and sport-specific functional assessments. The exam begins with a comprehensive medical history, covering past injuries, surgeries, medical conditions, and family health history 1. This is followed by a physical examination that includes vital sign measurements (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate), height, weight, and body composition assessment. The physician then conducts a musculoskeletal evaluation to check range of motion, strength, flexibility, and stability of joints and muscles, often focusing on areas specific to the athlete's sport.
Key Components of a Sports Medicine Exam
- Comprehensive medical history
- Physical examination, including:
- Vital sign measurements (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate)
- Height, weight, and body composition assessment
- Musculoskeletal evaluation to check range of motion, strength, flexibility, and stability of joints and muscles
- Cardiovascular assessment, including heart and lung examination, possibly with an ECG or stress test for more thorough evaluation 1
- Neurological testing to examine balance, coordination, reflexes, and cognitive function, particularly important for contact sports
- Vision and hearing screenings to ensure optimal sensory function
- Laboratory tests, including blood work to check for anemia, infection, or other health issues
- Sport-specific functional assessments to evaluate performance capabilities related to the athlete's particular activity
The exam concludes with recommendations for injury prevention, training modifications, and any necessary treatment plans, as supported by the American Heart Association 1. This comprehensive approach helps ensure athletes are physically prepared for their sport while identifying any potential health concerns that could affect performance or safety.
From the Research
Components of a Sports Medicine Exam
The components of a sports medicine exam include:
- History: reviewing the athlete's medical history to identify any potential risks or conditions that may affect their participation in sports 2
- Physical examination: assessing the athlete's physical condition to identify any potential risks or conditions that may affect their participation in sports 2, 3
- Musculoskeletal examination: assessing the musculoskeletal system to identify any potential risks or conditions that may affect the athlete's participation in sports 4
- Cardiac screening: assessing the athlete's cardiac health to identify any potential risks or conditions that may affect their participation in sports, including the use of electrocardiogram and limited echocardiogram 5
- Neurological assessment: assessing the athlete's neurological function to identify any potential risks or conditions that may affect their participation in sports 6
Key Elements of the Exam
The key elements of the exam include:
- Identifying any medical conditions that may affect the athlete's participation in sports
- Assessing the athlete's physical condition to identify any potential risks or conditions
- Using a combination of history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests to identify any potential risks or conditions
- Providing a database for collaborative care across disciplines 6
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests that may be used as part of a sports medicine exam include: