Through an Athletic Trainer’s Eyes: Pre-Participation Exam

Most people do not see the other side of athletic training. It isn’t always about the cuts and bruises, sprained ankles, or getting water out to practice, but also includes a great amount of paperwork. As Mark Gilbert, an adjunct professor at Tarleton State University and experience athletic trainer, would say, “If you didn’t record it, it didn’t happen.” This simple statement holds so much truth to the athletic trainer field. There is paperwork that deals with just about every aspect of the job; from pre-participation exams (PPE) to injury reports, to budgeting.

The pre-participation exam includes the physical examination by a doctor and the medical history of the athlete. This screening method that has been used for almost four decades. The purpose of the pre-participation exam is to help detect life threatening or disabling conditions and identify any conditions that could predispose athletes to injury¹. The pre-participation exam must be complete by the athlete prior to the involvement of any practices, scrimmages, or games.

The first component to the pre- participation physical is the medical and family history form complete by the athlete each year. This medical history should be comprehensive and reviewed carefully by the athletic trainer. Any unclear answers should be clarified by the athlete and their parents¹.

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In addition to the medical and family history the physical examination should be completed by a physician or other designated individuals. The physical examination should include vital signs, such as height, weight, and blood pressure; visual acuity testing; cardiovascular, neurological, and general medical examination; and musculoskeletal examination¹.  As you can see, the physical exam covers all aspects of the athlete’s health. This examination must be completed prior to the first and third year of high school².  The physical exam can be completed at the athlete’s personal physician’s office or group setting. In the group setting, an athletic trainer and physician set up a clinic type environment. This can be beneficial because some athletes may not have primary care physicians and this will provide an opportunity to see a physician.

When administering the pre-participation exam, it is important to gather the information in private and to remain confidential. As the athletic trainer or team physician you must be familiar with all state and federal regulations dealing with confidentially. The pre-participation exam must be completed four to six weeks prior to preseason practice. This allows time for any further examination appointments to be conducted.

Having a pre-participation exam on each athlete is not only required but can prove to be very beneficial. Conducting and reviewing these exams can help prevent injury or even save a young athlete’s life. As the athletic trainer some days are filled with paperwork but those days make the other days worthwhile.

References:

¹Conley, K. M., PhD, ATC, Bolin, D. J., MD, PhD, FASCM, Carek, P. J., MD, MS, Konin, J. G., PhD, PT, ATC, FNATA, FACSM, Neal, T. L., MS, ATC, & Violette, D., MA, ATC. (2014). National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Participation Physical Examinations and Disqualifying Conditions. Journal of Athletic Training, 49(1), 102-120. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-48.6.05

²The University of Texas at Austin. "Athletic Eligibility." University Interscholastic League. University Interscholastic League, n.d. Web. 6 Oct. 2016.