The sports-medical examination is a medical test that must be carried out by everyone who intends to start or continue to practice sports . For athletes and some other federated sports players, it is mandatory, and only with proof that they have done so and that they have no restrictions or limitations, they can enroll in sports federations at the beginning of each season. For all other practitioners of exercise and sport, although it is not mandatory, the sports-medical examination must also be considered, as it is important instrument for health promotion and disease and injury prevention. In fact, the methodology used in the medical-sports examination allows screening for various problems and illnesses . That is why: The objective is not just to verify, in a given athlete, if there is any problem that could prevent or contraindicate a practice; What is intended with the medical-sports examination is the early diagnosis of various health problems that can give rise to serious situations, possibly life-threatening, particularly those that can be aggravated by the effort of practicing sports. How is the sports-medical examination done? The sports medical examination includes at least a medical consultation in sports medicine and an electrocardiogram (ECG) . During the consultation, the doctor: Will ask the necessary questions to know the health history (personal and family) and the practitioner sports background, namely sports injuries – including the type of injury, circumstances in which it occurred, how it was resolved, time required for recovery, among others. Carry out a detailed physical examination considering the intended sport and focusing on the following: Detection of diseases in which the intended practice could endanger the athlete health or that of other people; Identification of sequelae from previous injuries and the presence of risk factors for new injuries; Evaluates ECG results and determines the need for further testing or evaluation. Clarifies doubts. Result of medical-sports examination The medical-sports examination results in filling out a specific form of the Portuguese Institute of Sports and Youth , signed by the doctor, which states: The medical decision on the existence or not of contraindications for the practice of the intended sport; The detail of personal and family history items and sporting background; The results of the physical examination including those obtained: On observation; On ophthalmological, otorhinolaryngological, stomatological, abdominal, genital-urinary, cardiovascular and respiratory examinations. Indication of performing the ECG and other exams that may be necessary. What is the overclassification sports medical examination This is a special medical-sports examination , which must be carried out by federated practitioners who intend to compete two or more levels above the corresponding to their age. In order to determine if their development / maturation allows the practice at these levels, there are other tests to be carried out in addition to what is included in the routine medical-sports examination: Blood tests; Echocardiogram; Determination of maturation stage through bone age, body composition and sexual development. The medical-sports exam is valid for 1 year . Author : José Pedro Marques The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
