Sports physical examination

What is a sports medical examination?

Sports medical check-ups are all tests concerning the state of health of sports athletes, and are fundamental to play sports in a safe way. It is recommended to carry out annual sports medical examinations or whenever you want to start a new sport, to know if you are physically prepared to play it. 

What happens during a sports medical examination?

A sports medical examination may be composed of a series of tests, including: 

History: analysis of medical history and personal and family history. Gait analysis: revision of the pelvis, spine, ankles, knees, etc. Cardiovascular evaluation: checking blood pressure by listening to your pulse and heart beat Electrocardiogram: obtains a graph of the electrical activity of the heart. Respiratory assessment: this may involve listening to your breathing and spirometry (measures lung capacity and volume). Body composition: calculation of bone, muscle and fat weight. Evaluation of aerobic endurance test: consisting of running on treadmill or athletic track.

Why is a sports medical examination carried out?

The objective of a sports medical examination is to confirm whether or not someone is ready for a certain sports activity, and to anticipate any difficulties the person may have. Anyone can benefit from an examination, whether they play sport to a professional level or would just like to take up a new sport as a hobby.

How should I prepare for a sports medical examination?

Before submitting to the test, it is recommended to take the following measures:

Wear loose, comfortable clothes Avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours before the exam Eat light food, do not smoke, do not drink coffee, alcohol, or stimulants on the day

What is the meaning of abnormal results in a sports medical examination?

A sports medical examination may reveal issues such as:

Poor gait or posture that could result in injury Problems with breathing function that may require further investigation Inherited heart conditions which need managing for you to play sport safely

After you are given the results of your exam you may be referred to another specialist, such as a cardiologist or physiotherapist, for further investigation and treatment.