The UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine team, along with other UAB volunteers, performed pre-participation exams (PPEs) for the athletes of the USA National Wheelchair Rugby team. These exams were the first of their kind, offering a comprehensive approach to injury prevention on the same level that is offered to other professionals and elite-level athletic teams, gaining attention from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for the addition of two new tests adapted for Paralympic athletes. 

UAB providers and volunteers performed various exams for roughly 30 players, including eye exams, EKG and concussion baseline exams, along with full physicals.

USA Wheelchair Rugby athletic trainers collaborated with UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine staff to implement two new comprehensive medical exams including an acceleration/velocity test and a reaction time test. The acceleration and reaction tests can help assess the athlete’s strength and timing in high-intensity environments, such as wheelchair rugby.

"As physicians, it is our duty to ensure that all athletes, regardless of their level of visibility or perceived importance, receive the care and attention they need to perform at their best. Through our comprehensive pre-participation physical examinations, we are not only helping the USA wheelchair rugby team stay at the top of their game, but we are also sending a message that all athletes, regardless of their ability, are worthy of our care and attention,” says UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine Department Chair Irfan Asif, M.D. “Let us use this as inspiration to advocate for and provide comprehensive care to all athletes, no matter their background or circumstance.”

The pre-participation exams took place at the Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. The Lakeshore National Adapted Sports Organization, which runs the foundation, is the National Governing Body for USA Wheelchair Rugby. The organization’s athletes and staff travel from across the country to Birmingham to conduct training camps and competitions for the USA Wheelchair Rugby team.

This fall, The USA Wheelchair Rugby team will compete in the International Wheelchair Rugby Cup in Paris, France from October 13-21, 2023. After, they then will compete at the Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile from November 17-26, 2023.