Introduction: Sports are associated with an increased number of injuries and illnesses. Because athletes want to “be healthy”, they cover up their pathological conditions in order to continue training. Nurses should therefore be allowed to strive for optimal health in athletes when it comes to periodic health evaluation. Purpose: The aim of the thesis is to describe and present sports medicine in Slovenia and other countries based on scientific and research literature as well as describe periodic health evaluation of athletes. The main focus was placed on periodic health evaluation of athletes to the age of 50 with particular emphasis on injuries associated with body mass index. In the light of the results obtained, we also described the tasks and the role of nurse in periodic health evaluation of athletes. Working methods: We used the descriptive method and provided an overview of foreign and Slovenian scientific and research literature. The literature was gathered between January and November 2017 and reviewed in foreign bibliographic databases, such as CINAHL with Full Text, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and the Union Bibliographic/ Catalogue Database COBIB.SI. Results: Nine researches were found to be relevant for the analysis. We discovered that an increased body mass is associated with an increased number of sports injuries both in recreational and elite athletes. This was confirmed in all but one research. Increased physical activity also increases the possibility of sports injuries. Discussion and conclusion: Because periodic health evaluations minimise the risk of injuries and illnesses in athletes, more attention should be paid not only to elite athletes, but to athletes in other categories as well. Healthcare professionals play an important role in the interdisciplinary team in treating athletes. In addition, nurses should actively carry out health education and establish a relationship of mutual trust with the athlete. However, they should place even greater emphasis on the health of athletes, sports nutrition, and prevention of injuries that may adversely affect the athlete’s health.
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