Key result
The preparticipation physical examination for athletes failed to satisfy the basic requirements for medical screening across 176 reviewed articles due to a lack of demonstrated accuracy.
Why the study?
Does the preparticipation physical examination satisfy the basic requirements for medical screening in athletes?
Systematic Review (n=176)
Does the preparticipation physical examination satisfy the basic requirements for medical screening in athletes?
The preparticipation physical examination for athletes lacks evidence of accuracy and does not meet USPSTF criteria for an effective screening test.
Questions routine preparticipation exams for athlete screening; challenges USPSTF criteria compliance and existing practices.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the medical literature regarding the effectiveness of the preparticipation physical examination (PPE) in satisfying the basic requirements for medical screening. DESIGN: Medline database (1966 to August 2002) search using the terms “preparticipation physical examination” and “physical examination.” MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) description of an effective screening test was used to determine whether the studies available provide evidence that the PPE satisfies the basic requirements for medical screening. RESULTS: 176 articles were identified. The articles did not specify the presence of a randomized control group, nor did they describe subjects who were inappropriately cleared or restricted. Therefore, false-positive and false-negative rates were not presented. As the accuracy of the screening test was not demonstrated, the PPE failed to satisfy one of the major requirements for an effective screening test. CONCLUSION: The PPE for athletes does not satisfy the basic requirements for medical screening as described by the USPSTF.
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Carek et al. (2003) conducted a systematic review in Preparticipation screening for athletics (n=176). Preparticipation physical examination (PPE) was evaluated on Satisfying the basic requirements for medical screening (USPSTF description). The preparticipation physical examination for athletes failed to satisfy the basic requirements for medical screening across 176 reviewed articles due to a lack of demonstrated accuracy.
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