Sports PPE vs. Normal PPE: What’s the Difference?

Here, at W+H, we promote that all athletes get a sport specific PPE completed by a sports physician in addition to their normal annual well visit with their pediatrician. Continue reading to find out why.

In New Jersey, a sports pre-participation physical exam (PPE) and a normal pre-participation physical exam may have some similarities but are generally conducted for different purposes. Here are the key differences between the two and why you should consider getting a sports physical completed by a sports physician:

1. Sports Pre-Participation Physical Exam:
   • Focus: The primary focus of a sports PPE is to assess an individual's readiness to participate in athletic activities.
   • Sports-Specific Concerns: This exam dives into sports-specific health considerations, such as assessing the athlete's cardiovascular fitness, joint stability, and any previous sports-related injuries. There is often a fear around heart health and sudden cardiac death in sports, and this exam does a better job at ruling out potential cardiac risks.
   • Regulatory Requirement: In many cases, schools and sports organizations in New Jersey mandate a sports PPE before allowing students or athletes to join sports teams or participate in organized athletic events. We simply require that your doctor complete the sports form and that they are trained in cardiovascular screening. Many times they don’t take the extra steps that a sports physician may take to ensure an athlete’s safety.
2. Normal Pre-Participation Physical Exam:
   • General Health Assessment: A normal pre-participation physical exam is a more general health assessment that may be required for various reasons, not necessarily tied to sports participation.
   • Comprehensive Health Checkup: This exam covers a broader range of health indicators, including general medical history, immunizations, and screenings for various health conditions.
   • Routine Medical Care: It may be part of routine medical care, such as for school enrollment, employment, or other non-athletic activities.
3. Similarities:
   • Basic Health Parameters: Both exams typically assess basic health parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and overall physical fitness.
   • Medical History: Both exams often involve gathering information about the individual's medical history, including any previous illnesses, surgeries, or medications.
4. Documentation and Forms:
   • Specific Forms: Sports PPE forms are more specific to athletic organizations and include sections that focus on sports-related health concerns.
   • General Forms: Normal pre-participation physical exams use more general health forms that cover a broader range of health information.

It is important to note that this is general information. Some pediatricians may have a sports medicine background or just conduct full sports physicals. Some do not. A sports physical exam is designed to ensure the safety of your child for sports and does not take the place of your general well visit for your child. It is designed to be a compliment to that exam.

If you would like to schedule an on campus sports physical, with our school doctor, click the link below to sign up and learn more

On Campus Sports Physical Exam