II. Background
- Sports History is the most important part of the preparticipation evaluation
- Detects 88% of general conditions, and up to 75% of musculoskeletal conditions
- Cardiovascular symptoms (e.g. Exertional Syncope, Chest Pain)
- Among the most important screening questions and the initial impetus for the preparticipation evaluation
- Core cardiovascular screening questions are derived from consensus guidelines (e.g. AHA 14)
- Sports evaluation is an important contact point address important but neglected psychosocial pitfalls
- Mental health screening (e.g. Major Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Substance Abuse, Eating Disorder)
III. History: General
- Any new changes in the next year
- Hospitalized or surgery
- Missing parts (unpaired organs)
- Prior sports preparticipation disqualification
- Medical problems
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Mononucleosis (related to Splenomegaly)
- Hepatitis
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
IV. History: Medication (prescribed and over the counter)
-
General Medications
- Insulin
- Anticonvulsants
- Antihistamines (Heat Injury risk, Arrhythmia risk)
- Doxycycline (Sunburn risk)
- Oral Contraceptive use
- Inhaled Bronchodilators
- NSAID use and over use
- Ergonomic aids (Performance supplements)
- Weight loss drugs (e.g. Ephedra or Ephedrine)
- Anabolic Steroids
- Megavitamins
- Creatine
V. History: Allergy
- Medication allergies
- Allergic Rhinitis to Pollens
-
Anaphylaxis or allergy to Stinging Insects or food
- Need for epi-pen?
- Exercise induced Urticaria
VI. History: Pulmonary
VII. History: Cardiovascular
-
Exertional Syncope or unexplaned Syncope (Blackout, Dizziness)
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Asthma
- Premature Coronary Artery Disease or coronary anomaly
- Exertional Chest Pain, chest tightness or chest pressure
- Easily Fatigued
- Overtraining
- Acute or chronic illness
- History of Heart Murmur (e.g. Congenital Heart Disease)
- History of Hypertension or elevated Blood Pressures
- History of Palpitations (Arrhythmia)
- Benign (sinus): Gradual onset and better on exertion
- SVT: Sudden onset very fast rate, resolved with vagal
- Ventricular Tachycardia (e.g. long QT Interval)
- Drugs: Tobacco, Caffeine, Alcohol, drugs, supplements
- Viral Infection in last month (Myocarditis)
- Prior medical provider ordered a cardiac evaluation study
- Prior disqualification for heart problem
-
Family History of Sudden Cardiac Death
- Under age 50 years
- Under age 30 years
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Anomalous Coronary Artery
- Marfan's Syndrome
- Long QT Syndrome
- Genetic cardiac conditions or ion channel channelopathies
VIII. History: Neurologic
-
Concussions: Knock-outs, Unconscious, Concussion
- See Concussion in Sports
- Number of lifetime Concussions
- Recent Head Injury
- Severity of each Head Injury
-
Seizure history
- Is condition controlled?
- When was last Seizure?
- Anticonvulsants
- Neck injury or cervicobrachial injury (e.g. Brachial Plexus Injury)
- Spinal stenosis
- Have you ever had extremity numbness or tingling?
IX. History: Environmental Injury
- History of Heat Injury
- Discuss Hydration and Heat Injury prevention
- Discuss risk of future Heat Injury
X. History: Musculoskeletal Injury
- Joint Injury, Joint dislocation or joint subluxation
- Ligamentous Sprain
- Tendinous Strain
- Prior Fractures
- Persistent dysfunction
- History of rehabilitation program
- Special equipment use for injury prevention
- Knee Braces
- Neck rolls
- Foot Orthotics
- Hearing Aids
XI. History: Eye
- Eye or Vision problems
- Eye loss
- Eye Protection
-
Vision must be corrected 20/40 or better to participate
- Eye Glass or Contact Lens use
- Protective eyewear (Single eye)
XII. History: Immunization
-
Immunizations current?
- Tetanus Vaccine (Td) at age 12 or 16
- Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) twice
- Consider additional Vaccinations if not pregnant
- Varicella Vaccine if indicated
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
XIII. History: Menstrual
- Menarche
- Last Menstrual Period
- Longest time between periods
- Number of Menses in last year
XIV. History: Weight
- See Female Athlete Triad
- See Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)
- See Childhood Obesity
- Current weight
- Highest weight in last year
- Lowest weight in last year
- Ideal Weight
- What would you like to weigh?
- Red Flags for Eating Disorder and Anabolic Steroid use
- Low weight for expected Ideal Weight
- Recent excessive weight loss
- Recent rapid weight gain
XV. History: Social
- See HEEADSSS Mnemonic
- Stress Confidentiality!
- Family problems
- Alcohol use
- Tobacco Abuse or Vaping
- Illicit Drug use and Drug Abuse
- Are you stressed out?
- Any problems in school or with friends?
- Any need for Contraception
-
Gender Identity
- State regulations vary regarding if participation is based on biologic gender or identity
- See Transgender Person
- Sexually active?
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexually Transmitted Disease discussion
- Need barrier Contraception (Condoms)?
- Safety Issues: Seat Belt, Bike Helmet
XVI. Resources
- Preparticipation History
- Preparticipation History Addendum for Athletes with Disability
- Preparticipation Exam
- Preparticipation Medical Eligibility