Background

In certain sports such as Australian football, groin pain is very common. Factors that predict the onset of groin pain are important in the prevention of this injury.

Research question/s

Does adductor muscle weakness predict the onset of groin pain in young Australian football players?

Methodology

Subjects: 86 young (16–18 years) Australian football players from two elite clubs.

Experimental procedure: Players were assessed and then screened on a weekly basis. Hip adductor muscle strength was measured (hand-held dynamometry) weekly in the 9-week preseason training period. The onset of groin pain (determined by the clinical ‘squeeze test’) was documented in 12 players (INJ group).

Measures of outcome: Hip adductor muscle strength (N) in the INJ group in relationship to baseline measures.

Main finding/s

The mean hip adductor muscle strength in the INJ players decreased significantly (p<0.001) (from baseline) by 5.82±5.16% in the week preceding the onset of groin pain, and strength was further reduced by 11.75±2.50% (p=0.004) (compared with baseline) at the onset of groin pain.

Conclusion/s

In a prospective cohort study in elite young Australian football players, reduced hip adductor muscle strength preceded the onset of groin pain and was further reduced at the time of onset of groin pain.