Abstract:
Because there is currently no uniform system for establishing, operating, or evaluating a sports medicine
practice, a total perspective of sports medicine health care delivery has not been identified. The purpose of this
study was to describe selected aspects of the operations of sports medicine centers and to examine their approaches to sports medicine care. Data were gathered through a self-reporting questionnaire which examined specifically the classification of sports medicine centers, profiles of clients seeking care, types and ranges of
programs and services being provided, general operating procedures, and staffing. One hundred fifty sports
medicine centers were selected randomly from the Sports Medicine Directory and were sent a questionnaire
packet; 63 (42%) responded. This study yielded a total of sixteen conclusions, including the following: the largest
number of sports medicine centers are Sports and Exercise Injury Centers; nearly one-half of the clientele
do not come because of an injury; clients are most often adult, recreation/ fitness enthusiasts who consult a
sports medicine center for a clinical service; the majority of programs at sports medicine centers are fitness/conditioning programs with very little commitment to wellness/health promotion, education programming, special injury prevention, or management services; initial appointments are usually made through physician
referral; physical therapists have an overwhelming majority of total involvement at sports medicine centers
(appointment times, qualifications, functions). Sports medicine centers appear to be traditional medical care
facilities which emphasize sports medicine care, are capable of serving other populations as well, and lend little support to the wellness/ health promotion movement.
