Sports Medicine Preventive Examination

Whether ambitious triathletes, runners or simply active athletes — anyone who trains regularly and intensively or plans to start such a sports program should take their health just as seriously as their training plan. Depending on the specific design of the examination content, the sports medicine preventive examination offers a combination of health check and individual performance analysis, which may also include recommendations on training areas as well as rough assessments of individual performance. It not only creates more safety, but also opens up new opportunities for training optimization. Many associations also require such an investigation at regular intervals or before joining the association. Some public health insurance companies (and many private individuals, depending on the tariff) also fully support such an investigation as part of their additional services.

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Why a preventive sports medicine examination?

Especially in (intensive) endurance sports, the cardiovascular system, lungs, muscles and joints are heavily stressed. Potential health risks may initially go unnoticed in everyday life, but then come to light under training and competition stress — from heart rhythm disorders to orthopedic abnormalities. Sports medicine examinations can identify such risks at an early stage, objectively assess resilience and (depending on the exact scope) provide personalized training and prevention recommendations.

The goal: safer sport, better training — and more enjoyment of exercise in the long term.

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Content of the Investigation in Accordance with the Current DGSP Guideline

The Sports Medicine Screening According to Current Guideline of the German Society for Sports Medicine and Prevention (DGSP, 2024) consists of several coordinated modules that enable a holistic assessment of health conditions and performance. It is aimed at all physically active people — whether beginners, ambitious leisure athletes or competitive athletes — and aims to identify health risks at an early stage, prevent illnesses and individually adapt training.

First, there is a detailed anamnesis, which includes both personal and family medical histories. Among other things, this includes Cardiovascular diseases, complaints in everyday life or during sport, medication use As well as around the lifestyle — including sleep, stress levels, nutrition and sporting goals.

This is followed by physical examinationWhich has a particular focus on general condition, heart and lungs, circulatory system and musculoskeletal system Is laid. Posture, mobility and muscular imbalances are tested in order to identify possible orthopedic stress problems at an early stage.

That is what the functional diagnostics On. This usually includes a Restoring ECG, a Stress ECG As well as a Pulmonary function test (spirometry). Optionally, a lactate measurement , which determines the individual aerobic and anaerobic threshold — a particularly valuable value for targeted training management. Depending on the individual profile, an additional Laboratory Diagnostics Take place, for example to determine relevant blood values.

The conclusion is the Guidance, in which the findings are explained in detail and individual training and exercise recommendations are derived together. This is also about the Early detection of warning signs, the meaning of Regeneration and prevention, as well as sport-specific recommendations.

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How much does it cost — and who pays for it?

The good news: More and more public health insurance companies recognize the preventive value of sports medicine examinations and subsidize them — sometimes to a considerable extent.

Here is an overview of current health insurance benefits (as of 2025):

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Conclusion: More than just a checkbook

The Sports Medicine Screening is not a “nice-to-have,” but a real “must-have” for ambitious athletes. It is the key to safe, healthy and sustainable training. Anyone who uses it regularly invests actively in their health — and even receives financial support for it.

Tip: Before visiting a doctor, it is worth calling your own health insurance company — not only to reimburse the costs, but also to clarify what requirements apply (e.g. contract doctors, bonus programs).