The Pre-Participation Exam otherwise known as the (PPE) has become a critical aspect in both sport and recreation, however currently there is no standardized instrumentation. The PPE is designed to screen for injuries, illnesses, or other factors that increase an athlete's risk for injury or illness.

There are two main elements of the PPE: (1) An assessment of the athlete's medical history and (2) A physical examination with pertinent emphases for the active individual. Medical history: The medical history should review past illness and surgeries, current ongoing conditions and a focused family medical history.

What are the current types of pre-participation physical exams? Currently, there are two common types of pre-participation physical exams available for school-aged athletes. They include a PPPE by the athlete's personal physician and the mass screening station exam commonly held on location at the athlete's school.

The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) Monograph, 5th Edition serves as a resource for medical providers to keep athletes safe and healthy while participating in sports. It provides helpful guidance on the proper timing, setting and structure of the evaluation to improve the health and well being of athletes.

The goal of the sports physical, also known as the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE), is to promote the health and safety of athletes in training and competition. The PPE is to facilitate and encourage safe participation in sports, not to exclude athletes from participation.

Preparticipation physical evaluations should occur approximately six weeks before activity to allow for further evaluation, treatment, or rehabilitation as needed.

The examination should include blood pressure, pulse, respiration, body weight and height, visual acuity, at a minimum and could include anthropometric measures. The most common abnormalities identified include blood pressure issues and visual acuity.