Utilization and implementation of sports medical screening examinations: survey of more than 10 000 long-distance runners.

Introduction: Preventive medical checkups may help to lower the health risks incurred by participation in sporting activity. However, there are no epidemiologically relevant data on either utilization or implementation of such checkups.

Methods: An internet questionnaire (www.dshs-koeln.de/pace) and personal interviews of long-distance runners were used to obtain information on the acceptance and realization of medical checkups.

Results: Only 50% of 10 025 runners had undergone preventive medical screening. Beginners and returnees to long-distance running are significantly less likely to have themselves checked than performance-oriented athletes (42.0% vs. 59.9%; p < 0.01). Moreover, the survey revealed deficiencies in many sports medical tests; for example, over 15% of runners screened stated that their checkup had not included physical examination. Resting ECG was performed in only 67.4% of cases.

Discussion: The findings underline the need for qualified pre-emptive sports medical screening. If current public health campaigns are successful, higher numbers of overweight, untrained persons of all age groups will have to be examined and advised.