What are the major goals of a 'sports physical'?

What are the major goals of a 'sports physical'?

Gary Brazina (Sports Medicine Physician) gives expert video advice on: What role do proper clothing and footwear play in preventing sports injuries?; Why is it important to 'stretch' before exercising? and more...

Well, the major goal of a sports physical is actually multi-factoral. Number one is determining if the candidate fit enough to participate in that sport? If we're dealing with adolescents, we're looking for any subtle hidden abnormalities that may be present; heart murmers, high blood pressure, difficulties with kidney function, abnormalities of the extremities which would make them prone to injury. For the adult, again what we're looking for are cardiac and cardiovascular problems that could be hidden. That is why we usually recommend that a person over forty be seen by their general physician for a cardiac workup, look for their high blood pressure, check for diabetes and just a general physical examination.