Precompetition cardiac assessment of football players participating in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a precompetition medical assessment (PCMA) of elite football players aimed at identifying risk factors for sudden cardiac death.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of the PCMA forms.


METHODS
Of the 32 national teams (with 23 players), PCMA forms from 605 players were submitted after the final match (82%). Data of 582 players were analyzed (79%).


METHODS
Recorded results of a standardized PCMA in all players before the 2006 FIFA World Cup including medical history, physical examination, resting/exercise electrocardiogram, and echocardiography were analyzed by 2 independent cardiologic reviewers.


RESULTS
Apart from general deficits in data quality, at least 6 players (1.0%) could be identified as demanding further investigations to rule out a serious cardiovascular disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Comprehensive cardiac testing is feasible in international elite football. To improve future results, the PCMA was revised. It is questionable if exercise stress testing should be included in future PCMA. To ensure correct results, sports cardiologic expertise is essential. In the face of organizational challenges and variable medical standards, alternative approaches to the practical implementation of the PCMA need to be investigated.
Thünenkötter
Thomas
T
Centre de l'Appareil Locomoteur, de Médecine du Sport et de Prévention, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg-Clinique d'Eich, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
Schmied
Christian
C
Grimm
Katharina
K
Dvorak
Jiri
J
Kindermann
Wilfried
W
D000328:Adult; D002312:Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / Q000175:diagnosis; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control; D003935:Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular; D005858:Germany; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012916:Soccer; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires