Deficits in eccentric antagonist/concentric agonist strength ratios: a comparative study of football players with and without osteitis pubis.

Abstract

Dynamic hip stabilizers are essential for optimal performance in football players, particularly during kicking. Although the muscle strength deficits of hip muscles as an etiology of osteitis pubis (OP) in football players have not yet been well investigated, previous assessments give more attention to the concentric mode of strength for both hip flexor and extensor muscles. Functionally, the hip muscles interact in an eccentric/concentric pattern. This study aimed to compare the concentric, eccentric, and eccentric antagonist/concentric agonist ratios for hip flexor and extensor strength between football players with OP and healthy athletes. Thirty-four male footballers with OP and eighteen healthy footballers were tested using an isokinetic dynamometer at a speed of 180°/s. Football players with osteitis pubis demonstrated a significantly lower eccentric extensor/concentric flexor ratio and higher eccentric hip flexor/extensor ratio (p < 0.05) when compared with healthy participants. The present study demonstrated that football players with OP had a reduced capability to produce eccentric hip extension torque compared to healthy athletes. Consequently, the eccentric rather than the concentric weakness of hip extensors could be suggested as one of the intrinsic contributing factors for OP. Incorporating findings of the current study in clinical practice could afford critical information while evaluating the hip muscles in football players with OP for pre-screening, developing rehabilitation programs, and guiding the decision to return to sports after injury.