A musculoskeletal approach to the preparticipation physical examination. Preventing injury and improving performance.

Preparticipation physical examinations provide information concerning an athlete's ability to participate safely in sports. By collecting information specific to the musculoskeletal system in addition to that from a general medical examination, information can be gained that may improve performance and help prevent certain injuries. Two thousand one hundred seven athletes from a variety of sports from the junior high to the college level were examined using specific tests for flexibility, strength, and endurance. Females were significantly more flexible than were males on all flexibility measurements, and males were significantly stronger than were females on all strength measurements. Upper-body athletes were tighter in dominant side internal rotation and significantly looser in dominant side external rotation. Lower-body athletes, especially females, were significantly tighter in the leg muscles. These results indicate that the adaptations of the musculo-skeletal system are sport specific and depend on the body area that is placed under stress.