WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
One of the many services our lab provides is carrying out sports medical examinations. These examinations are designed to carry out a complete screening of you as an athlete, to ensure that you are healthy and able to play your sport. Some sports federations themselves require a validated sports medical examination every few years from their athletes. A concise list of the sports federations that ask for a sports medical examination, as well as the content of these specific sports medical examinations are listed further in the explanation.
The sports medical examination is carried out according to the guidelines of the Flemish Recommendation on Sports Medical Examinations (VASO). The following steps are followed:
- First, you are expected to complete the questionnaire at www.sportkeuring.be. You can then forward this questionnaire to the doctor who will conduct your sports medical examination on the day of your appointment. At the end of this questionnaire, your health risk will be assessed through various traffic lights. If you get orange or red here you definitely should not panic, this only shows that the doctors need to pay special attention to specific questions, and this certainly does not show that you would not be allowed to perform your sport. For your consultation, also remember to bring your ID card.
- The sports medical examination itself differs depending on the sport you practice. First some general examinations will be executed, followed by more specific examinations related to the sport you want to be examined for. The examination course will depend on your age and gender, the type of sport and its intensity, as well as your personal situation. The following elements may be covered:
- Anamnesis
a. Personal and family history/risk factors
b. Medication - Clinical examination
a. Biometry: weight, height, BMI, fat%
b. Blood pressure, heart rate
c. Examination of heart, lungs, abdomen, blood vessels
d. Basic examination of balance, joints, musculoskeletal system - Visual acuity (color vision/depth vision)
- Basic spirometry (optional)
- Resting electrocardiogram: heart examination at rest (optional)
- Exercise electrocardiogram: heart examination during maximal exercise (optional)
- Urine analysis (stick; optional)
- Blood test (optional)
- After all parts of the examination have been over, the doctor will give you a sports passport clearly noting that you have permission to perform your sport for a specific period. If your federation/club also has a specific document to be completed, be sure to bring it to your consultation and mention it to the doctor. If any problems are detected, the doctor will explain them transparently, and possibly refer you to a specialist for further investigations.
No maximal exercise test with lactate is included within the listed costs, as this is also not part of the sports medical examination, and sports federations do not expect it to be performed. However, you can choose to have this test performed in combination with a sports medical examination. For more information on a maximal effort test, please use the following link: ... .
Following federations require a sports medical examination for participation within the respective sport:
Sport | Federation | Guidelines by population/specific studies |
Basketball | Mandatory when first competing, thereafter inspection every 4 years Basic SME | |
Diving | Annual mandatory examination upon enrolment in club Basic SME + rest ECG (with a specific focus on NKO examination and resting spirometry) From 45 years of age --> exercise ECG every 5 years Specific guidelines for divers with diabetes | |
Golf | Annual compulsory examination for top athletes recognized by Sport Vlaanderen Younger than 14 years --> basic SME Older than 14 years --> basic SME + Rest ECG | |
Running (Marathon) | Depends on the country where the marathon takes place | Obligation in France/Italy Valid for 1 year Between 14 and 35 years --> Basic SME + Rest ECG (+ possibly exercise ECG) From 35 years --> Basic SME + Resting ECG + Exercise ECG (every 5 years) From 65 years of age --> Basic SME + rest ECG + exercise ECG |
Rugby | Mandatory at first connection, from 14 years onwards mandatory every 2 years Over 14 years --> Basic SME + Rest ECG Over 35 years --> Basic SME + Rest ECG + possibly exercise ECG (depending on SCORE risk analysis) | |
Gymnastics | Advised regularly, mandatory when participating in EC/WC Basic SME + sport-specific examination per gymnastics discipline | |
Triathlon/Duathlon | Triatlon Vlaanderen | Compulsory with competition license from 12 years, with re-examination every 4 years As of 12 years --> Basic SME As of 14 years --> Basic SME + Rest ECG From 40 years onwards --> Basic SME + Rest ECG + possibly exercise ECG (depending on SCORE risk analysis) Examination every 4 years, from 40 years every 2 years |
Soccer | Only indicated in case of medical abnormalities in youth football Basic SME | |
Volleyball | Medical validation for youth members at 14 and 18 years of age Basic SME | |
Cycling | Required to obtain competition licence Younger than 12 years --> every 2 years, basic SME 12 years or older --> every other year, basic SME + rest ECG Exercise ECG is possible depending on risk factors | |
Swimming | Mandatory on first participation in competition, recommended renewal every 4 years Basic SME |
- BOOKING OPTIONS
Rest ECG (+30 euro)
A resting electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, non-invasive test used to measure the electrical activity of the heart while the patient is at rest. During the procedure, small electrodes are placed on the chest, arms, and legs, which detect and record the electrical signals produced by the heart as it beats.
Exercise ECG (+85 euro)
An exercise ECG is the recording of the electrical activity of the heart muscle during a maximum exercise test. From this, you can get information about the functioning of the heart and any cardiac arrhythmias can be detected. (On bicycle)
Student/staff VUB (-15% on exercise ECG)
VUB students and staff receive a discount on a sports medical examination with exercise ECG.