Identification of Risk Factors Associated with Groin Injury in an Upright Standing Position

Abstract

Groin injury is a common injury in sports such as soccer. This type of injury is associated with quick change of direction or acceleration, and kicking. Several studies have identified decrease in hip internal (Int) and external (Ext) rotations or decrease in hip adduction (Add) and abduction (Abd) torques ratio as risk factors for groin injury. However, it is still unclear what relationship exists between these variables, specifically performed in upright position which is more functional. PURPOSE: To explore the relation between low hip Add and Abd torque ratio and hip Int and Ext rotations, performed in upright position, in college students. METHODS: Fourteen college students participated in the study, Eight males (21±1 yrs, 81±11 kg. 176±6 cm) and Six females (22±2 yrs, 62±5 kg. 163±6 cm). Data were collected in two different sessions. Hip isokinetic maximal Add and Abd torques were captured using isokinetic dynamometer at two speeds, 30°/s and 60°/s. Participants performed five trials of continuous Add and Abd at each speed and the averages of the highest three peaks and their corresponding angles were calculated. Add and Abd torques ratio were calculated and the data were categorized as high risk (HR), if ratio was <1, or low risk (LR), if ratio was >1. Hip 3D Int and Ext rotations were captured using 3D cameras at 240 Hz. Participants performed three separate trials of maximal Int and Ext rotations using sliding disk and highest lower leg Int and Ext rotations were analyzed. T-tests assuming unequal variance were performed. RESULTS: Mean Add and Abd torque ratios were 0.72±0.13 in HR group and 1.30±0.19 in LR group. Lower peak Add torque was observed in the HR group (48±15 Nm vs. 86±27 Nm, p<0.01). No significant difference was observed in peak Abd torque between the groups (67±19 Nm vs. 66±18 Nm, p>0.05). Hip Ext rotations were lower in the HR group, however not significant (17±7° vs. 20±9°, p=0.07), same was observed for hip Int rotations (13±5° vs. 15±4°, p=0.08). The total hip Int and Ext rotations range of motion was significantly lower in the HR group (30±9° vs. 34±10°, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Decrease in hip Int and Ext range of motion was related to lower hip Add and Abd peak torque ratio. Future research should further investigate the association between these variables in athletes to better predict and prevent groin injuries.