If your child is planning to join a school sports team this year, chances are they’ll need a sports physical first. This routine exam helps ensure your child is healthy and ready to participate safely in athletic activities.
Here’s what every parent should know about sports physicals and what to expect if any concerns come up.
What is a Sports Physical?
A sports physical, also known as a preparticipation physical examination (PPE), isn't a test, meaning your child receives a "pass or fail.”
A sports physical is a requirement for participating in school sports and certain other extracurricular activities in the state of Texas. This examination provides an opportunity for your child's pediatrician to carefully assess their overall health and look for any potential health issues, like heart disease, that could make physical activity dangerous.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children participating in sports and other physical activities undergo a PPE at least six weeks before activity begins.
Need a sports physical? Go to our PediExpress, located at our Robert B. Green Campus— no appointment needed!
What Happens During a Sports Physical?
Some parts of a sports physical are similar to a regular checkup. Your child’s medical provider will check vital signs, measure height and weight, and evaluate hearing and vision.
The provider will also ask a series of questions to get an accurate depiction of your child's overall health. Questions include eating habits, personal and family medical history, mental health, current fitness level, medications your child takes and alcohol or drug use.
Children who are menstruating will answer additional questions about their menstrual cycle and any symptoms they experience during their periods. These questions allow for their pediatrician to provide holistic care while participating in sports. This allows their doctor to keep an eye on bone health, assess potential injury risks and identify hormonal imbalances.
A sports physical will also include a thorough physical exam. During this exam, your child's pediatrician will:
- Check range of motion, skeletal alignment and balance
- Examine the muscles, joints and bones
- Examine the nose, ears and throat
- Listen to the heart and lungs
- Palpate your child’s abdomen
- Test your child’s reflexes
In some cases additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram or X-ray, may be used to give the provider a more detailed view.
What If My Child Isn’t Cleared?
When you take a look at the PPE form provided by the University Interscholastic League, there are three options for medical providers when completing a sports physical:
- Cleared
- Cleared after completing evaluation/rehabilitation
- Not Cleared
Suppose your child's pediatrician discovers a medical condition or health issue during their sports physical. The latter two options listed above provide space for the medical provider to outline the next steps for your child.
In the case of your child being "cleared after completing evaluation/rehabilitation," their pediatrician will identify any specific tests, treatment of medical conditions (such as asthma) or rehabilitation of an injury that is needed.
For example, if the pediatrician is concerned about your child’s heart health, they may send them to heart specialist for additional testing and a cardiology sports clearance.
If your child is "not cleared," their pediatrician will go through the reasons why and offer recommendations for the next steps. Typically, the provider will include information about medical appointments or treatments that can help your child become healthy enough for sports participation, even if modifications are needed.
Children’s Primary and Specialty Care at University Health
Does your child need a cardiology sports clearance? Request an appointment at our Pediatric Cardiology Specialists clinic. Our experienced team can see new patients within 1-2 weeks and will work quickly to evaluate your child’s heart health.
The pediatricians at University Health are committed to keeping your child feeling well through every stage of their life. To schedule their sports physical, call 210-358-5437 or schedule an appointment online.
