Pre-Participation Evaluation of Recreational and Competitive Athletes – A Systematic Review of Guidelines and Consensus Statements

Abstract

Pre-participation evaluation aims to prevent possible harm during sports and later damage caused by exertion. High-quality evidence for the effect of pre-participation evaluation on patient-relevant outcomes is lacking. Recommendations in current guidelines and consensus statements are mostly consensus-based and focus on competitive athletes. In the absence of clear benefits of certain evaluation components, choosing the best option depends on how individuals value the benefits and risks involved; shared decision-making should be the norm.