Pre-Participation Sports Medical Examination

Knowledge Offer, Oferta Tecnológica

Salud y Biomedicina

7 October 2026

Pre-Participation Sports Medical Examination

Specialised cardiovascular assessment using 12-lead electrocardiography to prevent risks associated with high-intensity sports participation.

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

This technology offer provides an essential medical service for anyone who engages in or intends to start physical activity involving significant cardiovascular demands. The primary objective is the early identification of abnormalities that could compromise the athlete’s health or lead to critical events during competition or training.

The service includes:

  • 12-Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG): Use of high-precision equipment (Jaeger, Germany) to record the heart’s electrical signals at rest.

  • Specialist Interpretation: The test is supervised and analysed by doctors specialising in Sports Cardiology, ensuring clinical interpretation adapted to the athlete’s profile.

  • Certified Medical Report: Issuance of a detailed medical report on the examination performed, valid for obtaining sports federation licences and meeting registration requirements for long-distance events.

TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

Pre-participation medical examinations are essential in various areas of the sports ecosystem:

  • Sports Federations: Issuing competitive licences requiring annual medical clearance.
  • Long-Distance Events: Compliance with safety requirements for endurance events (Ironman, ultra-trails, cycling events).
  • Team Pre-Seasons: Collective assessment of squads before the start of the season to rule out potential risks.
  • Personal Health and Wellbeing: Preventive monitoring for recreational athletes who decide to increase the intensity of their training.

ADVANTAGES AND INNOVATIVE ASPECTS

  • Distinguishing the “Athlete’s Heart” from Pathology: The key competitive advantage is expertise in interpreting sports ECGs. Elite and high-intensity athletes may present deviations on a conventional ECG that a non-specialist doctor could mistake for pathological findings. Our team minimises diagnostic errors through its specialised expertise.
  • Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention: Resting ECG screening is the most effective basic tool for detecting silent heart conditions that may manifest under extreme physical stress.
  • Competition Requirement: The service is designed to meet the growing demand for mandatory medical certificates for events such as marathons, triathlons, trail running and mountain biking.
  • International Protocols: Tests are performed in accordance with the most up-to-date international sports cardiology guidelines.

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

Fully operational. The service has extensive experience and a strong track record, serving both individual athletes and professional clubs and federations.

APPLICATION SECTORS

  • Sports Clubs and Organisations (Football, Basketball, Handball, etc.).
  • Sports Event Organisers and Timing Companies.
  • Sports Federations (Athletics, Cycling, Tennis, among others).
  • Gyms and High-Performance Training Centres.
  • Healthcare Centres and Sports Medicine Clinics.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

José Manuel Sarabia Marín – University Institute for Research, Sports Research Centre