Musculoskeletal Findings Following Pre-Participation Screening in Young Athletes: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background

Pre-participation screening (PPS) is widely used to evaluate athletes before sport participation, traditionally focusing on cardiovascular risk prevention. However, musculoskeletal assessment performed during PPS may also allow early identification of biomechanical and structural abnormalities that can affect sport participation during growth.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and management pathways of musculoskeletal alterations detected during PPS in young athletes, with particular focus on referral patterns to pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) specialists.

Methods