The Cameroon national football team has completed a comprehensive three-day medical screening session at Aspetar, the orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital.
The top-class medical screening comprised of Cardiac screening (including an ECG, and often further investigations such as an ECHO or a cardiac MRI), a detailed medical and injury questionnaire, laboratory tests, dental assessment, Biodex muscle assessment, physiotherapy functional assessment, spirometry, visual acuity assessment, medical and musculoskeletal examinations, all undertaken by experienced sports medicine physicians and cardiologists.
The medical screenings are essential in identifying medical conditions that form a risk while participating in football. The obvious example of this; is an underlying cardiac condition that may place a player at risk during exercise. However, there are many other conditions that also require regular screening investigations.
After one working day, the screening results were imported into a report explaining the medical status of each player with the recommendations for any further action.
The team travelled to Doha to attend training camp in preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations which is scheduled to take place in Egypt from 21 June – 21 July.
Speaking about his experience at Aspetar, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Cameroonian attacker, and the player for the French club Paris Saint-Germain said: “We are here doing medical tests ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations and I’m pleased that everything has gone well. It’s one of the world’s most intense and exciting football competitions, so we’re all relieved to experience the high standard of service and sports medicine quality in preparation for the competition.”
Carlos Kameni, Cameroonian goalkeeper, and Turkish club Fenerbahçe SK goalkeeper stated how impressed he was to witness the facilities at Aspetar and praised the warm hospitality he received upon his arrival at the hospital.
Cameroon’s doctor Prof William Ngatchou said: “I’m thrilled to be at Aspetar. In our field, this is a highly regarded institution. We are starting the assessments of Cameroon’s players and Aspetar is well-equipped to carry out the tests FIFA requires. The players have been very happy to witness such world-class service, as have I.”
Aspetar has a rich history of supporting the world’s top sporting events. For example, FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 referees had a comprehensive medical screening at Aspetar, and last year Aspetar experts screened referees ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
Hosting medical screenings stems from Aspetar’s mission to help athletes achieve their maximum performance and potential.