Professional athletes undergo regular tests to monitor their health. But such a sports examination or sports medical examination can also be a good idea for amateur athletes and people who exercise a lot.
You can put a lot of strain on your body during exercise. Then it is nice to know whether you are physically capable of this. Especially because many athletes end up in hospital due to excessive exertion. Sometimes with ‘normal’ injuries, but sometimes with heart ailments.
What does a sports medical examination involve?
A sports medical examination can be done in different ways, but in any case it provides insight into your physical health and condition and so that you can exercise in a safe and responsible manner. The research can also help to provide specific sports advice: things that you should or should not do.
For a sports medical examination you can go to a sports doctor in a sports medical center. You do not need a referral from your GP for this.
What sports medical studies are there?
There are various sports medical studies: from a questionnaire with a short physical examination to an extensive exercise test. The sports medical examination starts with a questionnaire. This should provide insight into the (intended) sports, the sports experience, the level and the goal of the athlete – for example competitions, that one unique achievement such as a tour, sponsored run or marathon. Or just stay in shape.
Basic Sports Medical Research
This is the simplest sports medical examination. If you exercise less than 7 hours a week and experience no or few problems, this research is usually sufficient. Among other things, height, weight, fat percentage and the relationship between these are examined and an internal and orthopedic (general and focused on the specific sport) examination is performed.
Basic Plus Sports Medical Research
The Basic Plus Sports Medical Exam is intended for people who (want to) exercise intensively – more than 7 hours a week. It consists of the Basic Sports Medical Examination, supplemented with a lung function test, an electrocardiogram (resting EKG) and a blood test with hemoglobin (Hb) and cholesterol measurement.
Major Sports Medical Research
The Major Sports Medical Examination is recommended for athletes who exercise very intensively or are older than 35 years. This examination is like the Basic Plus Sports Medical Exam, supplemented with a fitness measurement and a maximum exercise test with a heart film.
Extensive Sports Medical Research
This research is often conducted among cyclists, runners and triathletes. In addition to the Major Sports Medical Examination, a breathing gas analysis is performed here. This test provides the most information about fitness and condition.
The advantages of a Major Sports Medical Examination or Extensive Sports Medical Examination
The two heaviest sports medical exams offer a number of advantages over the two lighter exams. The maximum exercise test exposes abnormalities in the heart that can only be measured during heavy exercise. In addition, these tests can also identify conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
For whom is such a study recommended?
In principle, it is recommended for anyone who regularly sports or simply moves a lot to undergo a sports medical examination. This is certainly sensible if:
- You have a condition or illness.
- Cardiovascular disease runs in your family.
- You experience dizziness, palpitations or chest pain during exercise.
- You are extremely tired.
- Recovery after exertion takes a long time.
- Your ability to perform decreases for no apparent reason.
- You start exercising and have never done this intensively before.
Which research is right for me?
- If you are younger than 35, you can in any case consider a Basic Sports Medical Examination or Basic Plus Sports Medical Examination.
- If you are older than 35, a sports medical examination with a maximum exercise test is recommended.
What are the costs and are they reimbursed?
The costs of a sports medical examination differ per sports medical institution and, of course, per variant of the examination. Most basic surveys start around $90, while the more extensive ones can go up to $250.
Most health insurers reimburse these costs in whole or in part with supplementary insurance. Here see which insurers reimburse the sports medical examination. Do you only have basic insurance? Then the costs are entirely for your own account.
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