Characteristics of the included studies
| Study | Population | Intervention | Completion (players) | Compliance | Follow-up | Number of groin injuries | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnason et al39 | Football, elite, male (age not specified) | 15 min presentation and video-based awareness. 2 h workshop in the respective clubs. Once only intervention | Intervention 127 Control 144 | Not reported | 1 season, 4 months | Intervention 7 Control 6 | No significant difference was observed in the number of groin injuries (χ2: z=0.50) |
| Van Beijsterveldt et al43* | Football, amateur, male (18–40) | ‘The 11’: 10 exercises for core stability, eccentric training of the thigh muscles, proprioception, dynamic stabilisation and plyometric with straight alignment. 10–15 min warm-up programme during regular practice | Intervention 223 Control 233 | ‘The 11’ was performed on an average of 1.3 per week of two per week that were prescribed, at least | 1 season, 9 months | Intervention 20 Control 23 | Not reported for groin injury |
| Engebretsen et al40† | Football, elite, male (age not specified) | Isometric adductor muscles exercises, transverse abdominal training, sideways jumping, sliding and diagonal walking. 15 min training session at home | Intervention 62 Control 98 | 19,4% of players completing 20 sessions or more out of how many prescribed | 1 season including 10-week preseason | Intervention 11 Control 16 | No significant difference was observed in the number of groin injuries (RR=1.18; 95% CI 0.55 to 2.54) |
| Holmich et al42* | Football, amateur, male (18–42.4) | Isometric and eccentric hip adductors strengthening, abdominal and hip flexors training, one leg coordination and stretching of iliopsoas muscle. 13 min as an integrated part of regular warm-up | Intervention 477 Control 430 | Not reported | 1 season, 42 weeks | Intervention 23 Control 30 | No significant difference was observed in time to groin injury, 31% of risk reduction not significant (HR=0.69, p=0.18) |
| Soderman et al44 | Football, female (age mean 20.4 intervention 20.5 control) | Balance board training. 10–15 min of home training | Intervention 62 Control 78 | Performed on an average 65±19 times out of how many prescribed (≥70 times, 30 in preseason, 3× week in a 7 months season) | 1 season, 7 months | Intervention 1 Control 0 | Not reported for groin injury |
| Steffen et al41 | Football, adolescent, young female (13–17) | ‘The 11’: 10 exercises for core stability, lower extremity strength and neuromuscular control and agility. 10–15 min warm-up programme during regular practise | Intervention 1073 Control 947 | Average player completed approximately 15 sessions. Once a week after 15 consecutive sessions in an 8 months season were prescribed | 1 season, 8 months | Intervention 6 Control 14 | No significant difference was observed in the number of groin injuries. Rate ratio 0.4 (CI 0.2 to 1.1) |
| Wedderkopp et al45 | Handball, young female (16–18) | Ankle disk practise and functional activities for both lower and upper extremities. 10–15 min during training sessions | Intervention 111 Control 126 | Not reported | 1 season, 10 months | Intervention 0 Control 0 | Not reported for groin injury |
*Data provided by authors (number of groin injuries).
†Data from group of players at increased risk of groin injuries.