[1] PPEs screen for a variety of conditions, including athletic heart syndrome[2] and risk of sudden cardiac death.

[3][4] PPEs are required for athletic participation according to the laws of some jurisdictions and the rules of many sports governing bodies.

[5][1] PPE is known by a variety of other names, such as preparticipation evaluation,[5] preparticipation physical examination,[6] preparticipation screening,[6] sports physical,[2] sports physical exam,[7] examination for participation in sport,[7] and similar.

As of 2019, the latest PPE recommendation published by several US physician organizations is the 5th edition, called PPE5.

[8] Additionally, PPE5 was endorsed by the National Athletic Trainers' Association and National Federation of State High School Associations.