October 3, 2006Annals of Internal Medicine
Brief Communication: Cardiovascular Screening Practices of Major North American Professional Sports Teams
Key result
Preparticipation cardiovascular screening among 122 North American professional sports teams varied considerably, with 100% performing history and physicals, 92% ECGs, and 13% echocardiography.
Why the study?
What are the current preparticipation cardiovascular screening practices for professional athletes in North America compared to AHA recommendations?
Population
122 major professional sports teams in North America (athletic trainers and team physicians)
Comparison
Preparticipation cardiovascular screening process vs American Heart Association consensus panel…
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
Screening varies widely from AHA guidance; leaves open optimal protocols and outcome impact in professional athletes.
Study Design
Type
Cross-Sectional (n=122)
Multicenter
Yes
Structured PICO
What are the current preparticipation cardiovascular screening practices for professional athletes in North America compared to AHA recommendations?
P
Population
122 major professional sports teams in North America surveyed regarding their preparticipation cardiovascular screening processes for professional athletes.
E
Exposure
Preparticipation cardiovascular screening process
C
Comparator
American Heart Association consensus panel recommendations
O
Outcome
League recommendations for history taking, physical examination, and noninvasive testing compared with screening recommendations from an American Heart Association consensus panel
Preparticipation cardiovascular screening strategies among North American professional sports teams vary considerably and are nonstandardized compared to AHA recommendations.
Limitations
- Data were self-reported by team representatives.
Cite This Study
Harris et al. (2006) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular screening in professional athletes (n=122). Preparticipation cardiovascular screening practices was evaluated on Cardiovascular screening practices (history taking, physical examination, noninvasive testing). Preparticipation cardiovascular screening among 122 North American professional sports teams varied considerably, with 100% performing history and physicals, 92% ECGs, and 13% echocardiography.