Background The Copenhagen adduction exercise (CAE) can significantly reduce the risk of developing Groin injuries (GIs) and may be of clinical utility in being used as a test to assess hip-adductor muscle function.

Objective To examine the relationship between hip-adductor muscle function using a modified, repeated version of the CAE with the adductor squeeze test and the function, sport and recreation subscale of the Copenhagen hip and groin outcome score (HAGOS) in male Gaelic football players (GFP) with a history of GIs. A secondary aim was to assess the inter-rater reliability of the CAE.

Design Two stage pilot study. Stage one assessed the inter-rater reliability of the CAE in active male university students. Stage 2 examined the relationship between hip-adductor muscle function using the CAE with the adductor squeeze test and level of function in male GFP with and without a history of Gis.

Setting University clinical skills laboratory and Gaelic football clubs.

Participants Recruitment on a volunteer basis. Thirteen physically active males over 18 with no history of GIs participated in stage one. Sixty-two males (previous GIs n= 30, no previous GIs n=32) over 18 years, currently playing Gaelic participated in stage two. To be included into the ‘injured’ group, participants needed to have a history of GIs diagnosed by a physiotherapist which resulted in complete absence from training for at least two weeks. Participants were excluded if they had an acute injury (<2 weeks) or were unable to participate in training sessions.

Main Outcome Measurements Maximum number of repetitions achieved during the CAE, adductor squeeze test and the HAGOS function, sport and recreation subscale.

Results The CAE test demonstrated good inter-rater reliability (ICC: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.61–0.96, p<0.001). Injured and uninjured Gaelic footballers did not differ in CAE or adductor squeeze scores (p>0.05). Injured players did not differ in CAE scores between their injured and uninjured leg (p=0.127). There was a significant correlation between the CAE score on the uninjured leg and the HAGOS (ρ= 0.405; p=0.026) and adductor squeeze (ρ=0.458; p=0.011).

Conclusions The CAE has good inter-rater reliability. The repeated CAE test was unable to differentiate between injured and uninjured Gaelic football players or between injured and uninjured legs.