Which component is part of a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE)?

• A. Vision/hearing screening
• B. Athletic performance testing
• C. Diet history
• D. Personal fitness measurement

Answer: (A)

Vision and hearing screening is included in a preparticipation physical evaluation because safety depends on detecting sensory impairments that could increase injury risk or hinder a participant’s ability to respond to cues during activity. Early identification of vision problems, such as poor acuity or eye alignment issues, and hearing problems allows for timely counseling or treatment before competing. The PPE aims to uncover medical or physical issues that could be worsened by sport, prioritizing health risk and safety over performance metrics. While athletic performance testing, diet history, or personal fitness measurements can be useful in other contexts, they’re not standard components of the PPE’s safety-focused health assessment.