Is hip adductor or abductor strength in healthy athletes associated with future groin pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Review written by Dr. Adam Loiacono info

Key Points

  1. Hip adductor strength is moderately associated with the risk of future groin pain in athletes.
All key points available for members only
Start free trial Icon
Or log in here

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Groin pain is a common issue in sports that involve rapid acceleration, deceleration, and direction changes, such as soccer, rugby, and hockey (1-3). Previous research has suggested that hip adductor weakness may be a risk factor for groin pain, while the role of hip abductor strength remains unclear.

This systematic review aimed to determine whether hip adductor and abductor strength, as well as the adductor-to-abductor strength ratio, were predictive of future groin pain in athletes. By synthesizing current evidence, the authors sought to clarify whether hip strength assessments can be useful for injury prevention.

Groin pain is a common issue in sports that involve rapid acceleration, deceleration, and direction changes, such as soccer, rugby, and hockey.
bulb
Sports clinicians should incorporate adductor strength assessments into preseason screenings and targeted interventions should be implemented to enhance resilience for athletes with reduced adductor strength.

METHODS

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
Start free trial Icon
to unlock full access to this review and 1097 more
Or log in here
Trustpilot