WHAT CONDITIONS LIMIT SPORTS PARTICIPATION - EXPERIENCE WITH 10540 ATHLETES

Over 5 years, 10,540 annual preseason examinations were performed on student-athletes ranging in age from 11 to 19 years. The examining physicians concluded that 9,423 students (89.4%) passed, 1,070 (10.2%) passed with conditions, and 47 (0.4%) failed. The most common reasons cited for those who passed with conditions and those who failed were hypertension, ophthalmologic and genitourinary abnormalities, and musculoskeletal problems. The authors recommend that preparticipation exams follow guidelines based on scientific data and experience rather than tradition or anecdote.