Pre-participation medical evaluation in competitive athletes: the experience of an international multisport club

Abstract Objective to assess the effectiveness of a tailored Pre-Participation Medical Examination (PPME) prior to sport practice for athletes competing in team sports, has been suggested as a useful tool for an early identification and treatment of multiple disorders. Design Among 2008 and 2018 a total of 2570 athletes from 12 to 35 years old from 12 different team sports disciplines were evaluated by the PPME of Football Club Barcelona. Methods The PPME included: medical history, anthropometric data, physical examination, baseline 12-lead ECG, a maximal stress test, a 2D-Doppler echocardiography and an extensive orthopaedic evaluation. Results In 495 of the 2574 athletes (19.2%), the PPME identified pathologies that require a specific treatment or a closed follow-up. The most frequent medical conditions documented in young athletes were neurological, psychological and psychiatric disorders whereas in adults the most prevalent were respiratory and immunological pathologies. Two athletes were considered inadequate to compete due to severe cardiovascular diseases whereas seven required a specific treatment for their cardiovascular diseases in order to be considered eligible for sports competition. Additionally, a large proportion of athletes (958, 37.2%) reported previous musculoskeletal sport-related injuries being bone fractures and joint injuries the most frequent ones. Conclusions The Football Club Barcelona PPME was effective in identifying latent pathologies and musculoskeletal sport-related injuries in a significant proportion of young and adult athletes competing in team sports. The identification of these medical conditions allowed to provide an early and specific treatment and to implement strategic ad hoc preventive programs.