Athletes with special needs (physical and intellectual disabilities) represent a growing population of sports participants. Sports participation for athletes with special needs provides the same benefits as for athletes without special needs: increased exercise endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility; improved cardiovascular function, balance, and motor skills; and psychological benefits, including increased self-esteem, reduced anxiety and depression, and the satisfaction derived from participation and competition. In addition, some benefits from sports participation are unique to the athlete with special needs. The PPE physical examination for the athlete with a special need should include all parts of the examination as for the athlete without a physical or intellectual disability. Particular attention should be given to the visual, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurologic, and dermatologic systems.
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