Return to play in long-standing adductor-related groin pain: a delphi study among experts

Key Points

1. The assessment of strength (isometric and eccentric), performance tests (planned and unplanned change of direction), and sports-specific skills should be included as criteria for return to play (RTP) in athletes with long-standing athletic-related groin pain.

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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Groin pain (with or without time-loss injury) is a common challenge in sport, especially those that require multi-planar movement. Researchers and clinicians continue to work to identify the best injury prevention, intervention and treatment methods. Several frameworks have been suggested to help clinicians organize return to play (RTP) decisions; however, RTP criteria supported by scientific evidence is lacking.

The objective of this Delphi study was to identify criteria that could be considered by practitioners in the RTP decision-making process for athletes with long-standing adductor-related groin pain.

Groin pain (with or without time-loss injury) is a common challenge in sport, especially those that require multi-planar movement.

Performance testing should include planned and unplanned change of direction to evaluate the athlete’s level of confidence and pain during completion.

METHODS

• The survey was created by a five-member committee (four sports physiotherapists and one sport physician).

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