Does Anterior Oblique Sling Training Reduce Groin Pain and Enhance Hip Mobility, Adductor Strength, and Performance in Soccer Players with Groin Strain?

Previous investigations have associated weakness of hip muscles with a higher likelihood of developing hip groin injury. However, no previous investigation has examined the influence of soccer training and match-play during the season on maximal isometric hip adductor and abductor muscle strength. Maximal hip adductor and abductor muscle strength would increase after the preseason, maintaining relatively constant levels across the soccer season. Cross-sectional study. Level 3. A total of 26 semiprofessional male soccer players underwent measurements of maximal isometric hip adductor and abductor muscle strength at 3 time points of the soccer season: preseason, midseason, and end-season to investigate the longitudinal effect of soccer training and competition during a complete season on maximal isometric hip adductor and abductor muscle strength in the semiprofessional Spanish soccer player. Compared with preseason, hip abductor muscle strength increased in the midseason (14.2% and 17.1%, for dominant and nondominant limb, respectively; P < 0.001) and in the end-season (13.1%; P = 0.005, and 14.1%; P < 0.005). In contrast, hip adductor muscle strength remained unchanged across the season in both limbs. As a result, the adductor/abductor strength ratio in the nondominant limb was reduced at midseason and end-season time points (-14.6% and -18.4%, respectively; P < 0.001) with a corresponding tendency in the dominant limb (-9.3% and -15.0%, respectively; P > 0.05). While maximal hip abductor muscle strength increased throughout the season, hip adductor muscle strength remained stable across the season. This produced a substantial deficit in hip adductor/abductor strength ratio at midseason and end-season. The progressive imbalance in adductor/abductor strength across the soccer season may be an indicator of increased risk of groin injury and may reinforce the need for preventive rehabilitation activities focused on enhancing adductor muscle strength.

The objectives of this study were to 1) assess the differences between youth soccer and basketball players with and without past year groin pain (GP) in hip adduction and abduction strength and several training characteristics (age at the start of regular training, weekly training frequency, warm-up and training duration, use of stretching and/or stabilisation exercises during warm-up, use of resistance training); 2) present strength reference values for youth soccer and basketball players. 227 players participated (age 16.9 ± 1.4 years; height 184.2 ± 8.5 cm; mass 75.5 ± 11.9 kg). Hip adduction and abduction strength was measured in supine position (hip, knee and ankle in neutral position) using a MuscleBoard dynamometer. Interlimb asymmetries and hip adduction:abduction ratios were calculated. Past year GP and training characteristics were assessed with a retrospective questionnaire. 11.9% of players reported past year GP (16.9% in soccer and 6.4% in basketball). The only significant difference between the past year GP and the control groups was found in the age of the players at the start of regular training (7.2 ± 1.8 years for the GP group vs. 8.5 ± 2.6 years for the control group). Additionally, soccer players without past year GP have significantly higher hip adduction strength (1.1 ± 0.2 Nm/kg vs. 1.0 ± 0.2 Nm/kg) and adduction:abduction strength ratio (1.10 ± 0.18 vs. 1.03 ± 0.16) compared to basketball players. Our results show that hip adduction and abduction strength, interlimb asymmetry and hip adduction:abduction ratio do not differentiate between players with and without past year GP (p = 0.29–0.90), which means that their adduction or abduction strength can be analysed regardless of the GP presence in the past year. Additionally, players with past year GP started regularly training at significantly lower age, which could indicate the problematic nature of early/premature sports specialisation.

Background: An ipsilateral hip adduction/abduction strength ratio of more than 90%, and hip adduction strength equal to that of the contralateral side have been suggested to clinically represent adequate strength recovery of hip adduction strength in athletes after groin injury. However, to what extent side-to-side symmetry in isometric hip adduction and abduction strength can be assumed in soccer players remains uncertain. Purpose: To compare isometric hip adduction and abduction strength on the dominant and nondominant side in injury-free soccer players. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: One hundred elite soccer players were included. Maximal unilateral isometric hip adduction and abduction strength on the dominant and nondominant side were measured with a handheld dynamometer, using a reliable test procedure. Results: The dominant side was stronger than the nondominant side for both isometric hip adduction (2.45 ± 0.54 vs 2.37 ± 0.48 Nm/kg, P = .02) and hip abduction (2.35 ± 0.33 vs 2.25 ± 0.31 Nm/kg, P < .001), corresponding to a 3% and 4% difference, respectively. Isometric hip adduction was greater than isometric hip abduction for both the dominant (2.44 ± 0.53 vs 2.35 ± 0.33 Nm/kg, P = .04) and nondominant (2.37 ± 0.48 vs 2.26 ± 0.33 Nm/kg, P = .03) side. Isometric hip adduction/abduction ratio was not different between the dominant (1.04 ± 0.18) and nondominant (1.06 ± 0.17, P = .40) side. A post hoc analysis showed that isometric hip adduction/abduction ratio was significantly lower in players with groin pain during hip adduction testing compared with players with a pain-free test (0.80 ± 0.14, P < .001) Conclusion: The marginal difference between the dominant and the nondominant side is within the measurement variation of the test procedure, and contralateral isometric hip adduction strength can therefore be used as a simple clinical reference point of full recovery of hip adduction muscle strength in soccer players. Furthermore, it is suggested that the ipsilateral hip adduction/abduction strength ratio is used as a guideline for evaluating hip adduction strength recovery in soccer players with bilateral groin problems.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the speed, agility, quickness (SAQ) training method on power performance in soccer players. Soccer players were assigned randomly to 2 groups: experimental group (EG; n = 50) and control group (n = 50). Power performance was assessed by a test of quickness--the 5-m sprint, a test of acceleration--the 10-m sprint, tests of maximal speed--the 20- and the 30-m sprint along with Bosco jump tests--squat jump, countermovement jump (CMJ), maximal CMJ, and continuous jumps performed with legs extended. The initial testing procedure took place at the beginning of the in-season period. The 8-week specific SAQ training program was implemented after which final testing took place. The results of the 2-way analysis of variance indicated that the EG improved significantly (p < 0.05) in 5-m (1.43 vs. 1.39 seconds) and in 10-m (2.15 vs. 2.07 seconds) sprints, and they also improved their jumping performance in countermovement (44.04 vs. 4.48 cm) and continuous jumps (41.08 vs. 41.39 cm) performed with legs extended (p < 0.05). The SAQ training program appears to be an effective way of improving some segments of power performance in young soccer players during the in-season period. Soccer coaches could use this information in the process of planning in-season training. Without proper planning of the SAQ training, soccer players will most likely be confronted with decrease in power performance during in-season period.

The hip adductor muscle group plays an important role in both movement and stability at the hip joint in many athletic pursuits. Injury to this muscle group has been reported in a number of sports, among them, ice hockey, soccer, Australian football, and swimming. The identification of muscle characteristics that predispose a muscle to injury is an important step in developing conditioning programs to reduce injury risk. Muscle strength and range of motion are 2 parameters that may influence injury risk. The aim of this review was to examine the relationship between hip adductors' strength, flexibility, and injury risk. Strength testing has involved isokinetic or hand-held dynamometry. Flexibility has usually been assessed by goniometry during maximal hip abduction. An association has been reported between adductor strength deficits and injury for ice hockey players. Low adductor flexibility has also been identified as a risk factor for injury in soccer players. An intervention program that strengthened the hip adductors had some success in reducing injury risk for ice hockey players. There is some low- to moderate-level evidence from cohort studies to suggest that flexibility and strength are related to injury risk in particular sports and that an intervention program may be effective in reducing injury risk. Higher level evidence from randomized controlled trials is required to firmly establish the link between hip adductor flexibility, strength, and injury.

Rodríguez-Rosell, D, Franco-Márquez, F, Mora-Custodio, R, and González-Badillo, JJ. Effect of high-speed strength training on physical performance in young soccer players of different ages. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2498-2508, 2017-The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of low-load, low-volume weight training combined with plyometrics on strength, sprint, and jump performance in soccer players of different ages. Eighty-six soccer players from the same academy were categorized into 3 groups by age (under 13 years, U13, n = 30; under 15, U15, n = 28; and under 17, U17, n = 28) and then randomly assigned into 2 subgroups: a strength training group (STG) and a control group (CG). The strength training program was performed twice a week for 6 weeks and consisted of full squats (load: 45-60% 1 repetition maximum; volume: 3 set of 8-4 repetitions), jumps, and straight line sprint exercises. After training intervention, the STGs showed significant improvements in maximal strength (7.5-54.5%; p < 0.001), jump height (5.7-12.5%; p <0.01-0.001), and sprint time (-3.7 to -1.2%; p ≤0.05-0.001), whereas no significant gains were found for any variable in the CGs. Comparison between experimental groups resulted in a greater magnitude of change for U13 compared with U15 (effect sizes [ES]: 0.10-0.53) and U17 (ES: 0.14-1.41) soccer players in most variables, whereas U15 showed higher improvements in jump and strength parameters than U17 (ES: 0.25-0.90) soccer players. Thus, although our results indicates that a combined weight training and plyometrics program may be effective in eliciting gains in strength, jump, and sprint in soccer players of different ages, the training program used appears to be generally less effective as the age of the soccer players increased. Therefore, it appears that training characteristics (mainly volume, intensity, and type of exercise) should be modified in relation to maturity status and initial strength level.

BackgroundEccentric hip adduction and abduction strength plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of groin injuries in soccer players. Lower extremity strength deficits of less than 10% on...

Context: Hip adduction and abduction strength plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of groin injuries in football players. Currently there are no reliable baseline values for uninjured football player’s hip adduction: abduction muscle strength ratios. Objective: To examine whether normal hip adduction: abduction strength ratios can be established in uninjured football players. To compare this data, and establish if there is an asymmetry between the dominant and non-dominant limb. Methods: Twenty, English Premier League academy football players 18.45 (± 2.06) years, 72.6 (± 5.56) kg, 180.15 (± 7.97) cm, 3 left limb dominant, and 17 right limb dominant were included in the study. Eccentric and concentric hip adduction and abduction strength of the dominant and non-dominant leg was tested using a Cybex isokinetic dynamometer. Results: The concentric ratio on the dominant limb was 1.59 (± 0.19) and on the non-dominant limb 1.45 (± 0.31). The eccentric ratio on the dominant limb was 1.45 (± 0.32) and on the non-dominant limb 1.26 (± 0.26). Overall the ratios were higher on the dominant limb and this was statistically significant P ≤ .05. Abduction strength was similar bilaterally. Adduction strength was 18%-22% greater on the dominant limb. Conclusions: The greater ratios on the dominant limb are due to increased adductor strength as a result of the kicking action. Elite football player’s hip adduction: abduction strength ratios should be 1.45-1.6 on the dominant limb and 1.25-1.45 on the non-dominant limb. The adductors on the dominant limb should be 18%-22% stronger than the non-dominant limb. Ratios outside these parameters could indicate the player is at risk of injury. Further research is required to support muscle imbalance as a cause of injury and identify injury risk thresholds for groin injuries in football players.

This study aimed to evaluate, in an isolated and relative manner, hip abductor (ABD) and adductor (AD) strength and to study the extent to which these factors are related to balance and ankle dorsiflexion mobility in young elite female basketball players. Sixty trainee-level elite female basketball players (13–18 years old), who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study, were divided into three subgroups based on competition age divisions (U14, U16, U18). Isometric hip ABD and AD strength in each leg was evaluated using the ForceFrame Strength Testing System, also calculating the strength ratio and imbalance between legs. Y Balance Test (YBT) and ankle dorsiflexion mobility were also assessed. ANOVA was used for between-group differences analysis. Likewise, the impact of hip strength on balance and ankle mobility was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. A linear regression model for dependent variables was created with all variables that exhibited significant correlations. A between-group comparison analysis for the three competition age subgroups (U14, U16, U18) revealed non-significant differences (p > 0.005) for the hip strength variables except for hip ABD strength. The correlation study showed low-moderate effect sizes for hip ABD (in both the contralateral and homolateral limb) and AD strength (only the homolateral limb) with YBT and ankle dorsiflexion. However, when performing a regression model, only right hip ABD significantly predicted right limb YBT scores (β = 0.592, p = 0.048). The present study indicated that, although both hip ABD and AD strength correlate with balance and ankle mobility with low-moderate effect sizes, only hip ABD strength was found to significantly predict YBT scores. Therefore, the potential role of hip ABD strength in particular, but also hip AD strength, for monitoring and enhancing balance and ankle mobility outcomes, should be taken into consideration when designing and implementing preventive strategies for lower-limb injuries.

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study is to examine the developmental trajectory of 3D-MOT performance in young soccer players, and to investigate the age-related 3D-MOT performance training effect.MethodsFirst, Experiment 1 assessed 3D-MOT performance of 404 male soccer players aged 12–18 years. Then, 127 athletes in Experiment 1 aged 13, 15, and 17 were selected as participants in Experiment 2, randomly assigned to intervention group and the control group. The intervention group but not the control group received 15 sessions of 3D-MOT training (3 sessions per day for 20 minutes for 5 days). Subsequently, post-test of 3D-MOT performance was conducted on the two groups.ResultsExperiment 1 showed that there was a significant main effect of age on the peak speed (p < .001,η² = .041) of 3D-MOT performance, with the performance of participants aged 15 significantly higher than that of those aged 13 (p = .018, d = −0.559). Experiment 2 revealed a significant main effect of the intervention, including peak speed (p < .001), average speed(p < .001),and speed threshold(p < .001), but the interaction between the intervention and the age group was not significant.ConclusionsThis research provide evidence that the 3D-MOT performance of young soccer players exhibits an increase between 13 and 15. Moreover, the results showed a significant training improvement in youth soccer players, but there was no significant relationship between the age-related development of 3D-MOT and the training effect in young soccer players. The above results provide new insights into soccer science and practice. Given the lack of data for those players younger than 12, this restricts the inference of whether there are potential sensitive periods. The study suggest that in the future, more evidence on athletes under the age of 12 be added to enhance the understanding of the full developmental trajectory of 3D-MOT performance in soccer players.

The aim of the present study is to examine the developmental trajectory of 3D-MOT performance in young soccer players, and to investigate the age-related 3D-MOT performance training effect. First, Experiment 1 assessed 3D-MOT performance of 404 male soccer players aged 12-18 years. Then, 127 athletes in Experiment 1 aged 13, 15, and 17 were selected as participants in Experiment 2, randomly assigned to intervention group and the control group. The intervention group but not the control group received 15 sessions of 3D-MOT training (3 sessions per day for 20 minutes for 5 days). Subsequently, post-test of 3D-MOT performance was conducted on the two groups. Experiment 1 showed that there was a significant main effect of age on the peak speed (p < .001,η² = .041) of 3D-MOT performance, with the performance of participants aged 15 significantly higher than that of those aged 13 (p = .018, d = -0.559). Experiment 2 revealed a significant main effect of the intervention, including peak speed (p < .001), average speed(p < .001),and speed threshold(p < .001), but the interaction between the intervention and the age group was not significant. This research provide evidence that the 3D-MOT performance of young soccer players exhibits an increase between 13 and 15. Moreover, the results showed a significant training improvement in youth soccer players, but there was no significant relationship between the age-related development of 3D-MOT and the training effect in young soccer players. The above results provide new insights into soccer science and practice. Given the lack of data for those players younger than 12, this restricts the inference of whether there are potential sensitive periods. The study suggest that in the future, more evidence on athletes under the age of 12 be added to enhance the understanding of the full developmental trajectory of 3D-MOT performance in soccer players.

Introduction Groin injuries are common in soccer players and often involve adductor muscle strains. The Copenhagen Adduction Exercise (CAE) is a targeted intervention whose effectiveness in rehabilitation for these injuries warrants investigation. Objective To investigate the impact of a rehabilitation program, which includes the CAE, on eccentric hip adduction (EHAD) strength, hip joint range of motion (ROM), self-reported disability, and pain among soccer players with adductor-related groin pain. It was hypothesized that the addition of CAE to the rehabilitation program would yield greater improvements. Methods Employing a randomized controlled trial with a two-group parallel design, thirty male soccer players with a mean age of 26.4 ± 3.9 years were randomized into an intervention group (IG) including CAE (n = 15) and a control group (CG) without CAE (n = 15), based on a power analysis to ensure 80% power to detect significant differences. Both groups engaged in their respective rehabilitation programs twice a week for eight weeks. The primary outcome measured was EHAD strength, while secondary outcomes included hip joint ROM, self-reported disability measured by the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), and pain levels. Results Significant improvements within groups were observed across all measures (p < 0.001). The IG demonstrated a greater increase in EHAD strength (Mean Difference [MD] = 0.49 Nm/kg, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [0.31, 0.66]), a more pronounced reduction in pain (MD = -1.60, 95% CI [−2.18, −1.02]), and betterment in all HAGOS subscale scores compared to the CG. There were no significant between-group differences in hip joint ROM. Conclusion Incorporating the CAE into rehabilitation programs significantly improves EHAD strength, decreases pain scores, and reduces self-reported disability in soccer players with adductor-related groin pain. Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05589623

Plyometric training (PT) has been shown to have numerous benefits and few harmful effects. This study aimed to compare the effects of PT vs. strength training on muscle strength, sprint, and lower limb functional performance in soccer players. Ninety participants (mean age 22.5 years) were equally and randomly divided into three groups: a plyometric training group (PTG; n = 30), a strength training group (STG; n = 30), and a control group (CG; n = 30). In PTG: bounding, hurdling, and drop jumping exercises were performed. In STG: isometric exercises of knee extension (at 60º knee flexion), quadriceps (in supine), hip adductors (in crook lying), and straight leg raise were performed. In CG: no specific training was given. All interventions were performed for eight weeks. Isometric strength (IS), sprint (ST), and single-leg triple hop (SLTH) tests were outcome measures. The wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for with-in-group analysis, and Kruskal Wallis and Mann–Whitney u tests were used for between-group analyses. In PTG: in comparison to a baseline measurement, IS increased by 8.83% (p < 0.05), ST decreased by 20.14% (p < 0.05), and SLTH increased by 7.78% (p < 0.05). In STG: IS increased by 15.76% (p < 0.05), ST decreased by 30.26% (p < 0.05), and SLTH increased by 12.41% (p < 0.05). In CG: IS increased by 5.72% (p < 0.05), ST decreased by 15.54% (p < 0.05), and SLTH increased by 4.41% (p < 0.05). The greatest improvements were observed in STG, followed by PTG and CG. Strength training was found to be more effective than PT in improving muscle strength, sprint, and lower limb functional performance in male soccer players.

Background and Aim: In the field of college-level soccer, the quality of training mode is directly related to the overall competitive level of the team and the individual performance of the athletes. However, although soccer training at the college level is often aimed at specialization and systematism, research has shown that several common problems prevent the optimal results of training. These problems may involve a lack of personalized, targeted, or scientifically based training programs that limit overall improvement in speed, agility, quickness, and pass-receiving performance. Some college-level soccer training programs may fail to adequately account for individual athlete differences and fail to accurately locate and address bottlenecks in specific skills and abilities. This can lead to erratic training results, making it difficult for some athletes to perform at their best in competition. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an in-depth analysis of the problems existing in the current college-level soccer training and propose a specific training program to promote the athletes in the key skills and abilities more targeted. To address these issues, this study aims to develop a specific soccer training program to improve the speed, agility, quickness, and pass-receiving performance of college-level soccer players. A specific training program is a training method that combines different training methods and principles, which can make full use of the advantages of various training methods and avoid the disadvantages of various training methods, to achieve the best training effect. The main purposes of this study are as follows: 1) To explore the training elements and mechanisms related to speed, agility, quickness, and pass-receiving performance and to provide a theoretical basis and guiding principles for specific training programs. 2) Design and implement a specific training program to provide college-level soccer players with a novel and effective way of training to improve their skill level and competitiveness. 3) To evaluate and compare the effect and improvement of the specific training program, to provide empirical evidence and suggestions for the optimization and innovation of soccer training. Materials and Methods: This study’s main objective is to develop of specific training program to improve speed, agility, quickness, and pass-receiving performance for soccer players. In this experiment, 32 school soccer players from Jiying University were selected as experimental subjects by simple random sampling. The experimental group (N=16) underwent specific training intervention, while the control group (N=16) underwent regular training. The test indicators were selected from the "2021 National Youth Campus Soccer Summer Camp Best Team Selection Test Measures" jointly issued by the Ministry of Education and the Department of Physical Health and Art in April 2021. There are 5 test indicators in total: the 10-meter sprint test (sec), Agility test (sec), Pass-receiving Performance (sec), quickness test (sec), and Pass performance (sec), which mainly examined the comprehensive test plan of various special physical qualities such as athletes' speed, agility of dribbling change direction, quickness, pass-receiving performance. The experimental group then followed a specific training program for 8 weeks, 3 days, and 1.30 hours per day. Result: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups of athletes before the experiment (p &gt; 0.05), which provided a basis for the experiment. After 8 weeks of experimental, the experimental group 5 test indicators had significant differences compared with the control group and also within the experimental group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: This specific training program can improve the pass-receiving performance of soccer players.

Objective: Adductor muscle strain in ice hockey is a major problem associated with reduced hip strength. The aims of this study were to examine between-limb differences in hip adduction and abduction strength, and adduction/abduction strength ratios in male elite junior ice hockey players. Further aim was to explore whether these hip strength measures are related to a history of groin injury. Methods: Thirty-four male elite junior ice hockey players (age 17.1 ± 1.3 years) participated in the study. A hand-held dynamometer was used to assess hip adduction and abduction strength in the dominant and non-dominant limbs. The players were tested in the side-lying position with a ‘break test’. Results: No significant between-limb differences in hip adduction strength (3.2% [range -27% to 34%], P= 0.283), hip abduction strength (5.3% [range -12% to 45%], P=0.053), or hip adduction/abduction strength ratios (dominant limb 1.01 ± 0.18 and nondominant limb 1.02 ± 0.13, P = 0.727) were found. Of the 34 players, 14 reported a history of unilateral groin injury within the previous year. Players with a history of groin injury had marginally lower hip adduction and abduction strength than uninjured players, however, the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Adduction/abduction ratios did not differ between players with a previous injury and uninjured players (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results showed no between-limb differences in hip adduction and abduction strength, or abnormal adduction/abduction strength ratios in currently uninjured male elite junior ice hockey players. To evaluate hip strength recovery following an injury, and to identify players at risk of sustaining an adductor strain, the contralateral limb can therefore be used as a reference. A history of unilateral groin injury within the previous year does not seem to affect hip adduction and abduction strength and strength ratios in male elite junior hockey players.