Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine Provides Free Pre-Participation Physical Exams for Boston Public School Athletes

Almost 300 student-athletes received free evaluations ahead of the Fall sports season.

Boston, MA — As part of a now annual event, Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine provided almost 300 Boston Public School athletes free pre-participation physical exams ahead of the upcoming Fall sports season. The event took place at Madison Park High School in Roxbury. Mass General Brigham’s athletic trainers and clinical connections provide comprehensive care across all sports seasons for Boston Public Schools, which includes participation from over 2,000 student-athletes.

“Ensuring the well-being of our student-athletes is paramount, and offering complimentary preseason exams is a game-changer for our community,” said Boston Public Schools Senior Director of Athletics, Avery Esdaile. “Thanks to the partnership with Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine, we’re not just removing obstacles to participation, we’re fostering a culture of safety and excellence, allowing our athletes to flourish both on and off the field.”

Getting the required pre-participation physical examination is often a major hurdle for those in under-served communities, where it can be challenging to access care, representing a barrier and health risk to participating in sports. The team of over 50 volunteer physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, medical assistants, and administrators from Mass General Brigham performed the exams free of charge to families, clearing the student-athletes to play and ensuring they receive the correct care plan when needed.

The pre-participation physical exam included vision and blood pressure screenings as well as height/weight/body mass index testing. There was also education on proper nutrition for the youth athlete. The team from the Mass General Brigham Center of Sports Medicine and Performance in Foxboro performed force plate jump testing so athletes could see their jump height and have fun competing against peers. The team also offered tips and information on ways to improve fitness, sports specific exercises and their overall in-game performance.

“The entire Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine team is always excited to participate in these events and put our mission to support the city’s student-athletes into action,” said Morgan Jones, MD, Mass General Brigham Medical Director for Boston Public Schools Athletics. “Getting access to these vital services for free allows these amazing student-athletes to enjoy their sports and all the benefits they provide. It’s our pleasure to join with Boston Public Schools each year and make events like this happen.”