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Reimagining the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation: A Call for Updated Screening Practices

Reimagining the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation: A Call for Updated Screening Practices

Only available as part of a package

Abstract:
This session will present an updated best-practice framework for conducting preparticipation physical evaluations (PPEs) that emphasizes the critical need for increased interdisciplinary collaboration. Despite their widespread use, the PPE process lacks evidence to support their effectiveness in identifying risk factors for mental health challenges and musculoskeletal injuries. Athletic trainers serve on the front lines in managing routine and catastrophic events specific to sudden death, mental health, and orthopedics. However, the approach to these conditions remains largely reactive. Given the rising physical and psychological demands placed on student-athletes, athletic trainers have a responsibility to implement evidence-informed changes that align PPE standards with current best practices.

Learning Objectives:

  • Compare current preparticipation physical evaluation practices with updated best-practice models to assess gaps in effectiveness.
  • Differentiate between reactive and proactive approaches to athlete health and safety to illustrate how revised PPE practices can align with contemporary standards of care.
  • Recognize the role of athletic trainers in addressing sudden cardiac events, mental health emergencies, and catastrophic injuries during the PPE process.
  • Identify key mental health and musculoskeletal injury risk factors and screening practices that are often overlooked in the traditional PPE.
  • Apply evidence-informed strategies to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration in the development and implementation of PPE protocols.

Level:
Advanced

Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy

Orthopedic Domain(s):
Domain 1: Medical Knowledge

Keywords:
Mental health; musculoskeletal Injury risk; collaboration

CEUs:
1.0 Category A

A Statement of Credit reflecting your CEUs will be issued immediately upon the successful completion of all course components.


Course Expiration: 
All sessions of the NATA 77th Symposia On-Demand must be completed by December 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

Ty Michalowski, MSAT, LAT, ATC

Zachary Winkelmann, PhD, LAT, ATC

Dr. Zachary Winkelmann is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Arnold School of Public Health at The University of South Carolina. Currently, Zachary is the Director of Clinical Education for the post-professional Athletic Training Program. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas Lutheran University in 2013 his master’s degree from Indiana State University in 2015, and his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction program with a concentration in Athletic Training Education from Indiana State in 2019. 

Dr. Winkelmann is a certified athletic trainer and researcher with 151 peer-reviewed publications and several national and international presentations focused on telemedicine, simulation-based learning, patient-centered care, and mental health.

This content will not be available until 07/31/2026 at 12:00 AM (CDT)