Hip and groin injuries affect approximately 21% of professional athletes annually, causing significant time loss. As roughly 48% of these cases result from non-contact mechanisms, they are potentially preventable through optimized diagnostic screening. Evidence strongly links restricted hip range of motion (ROM) and strength deficits to an increased injury risk. This project aims to (1) develop a rigorously validated diagnostic testing procedure by comparing different joint positions, movement velocities, and muscle contractions to establish a preventive "gold standard" screening battery. dditionally, (2) pilot targeted prevention interventions over a competitive season. Using a crossover design, the research evaluates three protocols: Strength-focused,Flexibility-focused:and control group. (3) Implement of a Centralized Injury Reporting System. Combining comprehensive diagnostic screening with these practical interventions will yield a powerful tool for clinicians and coaches to effectively reduce the incidence and burden of non-contact hip and groin injuries
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SCREENING
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
170
Emphasizing specific joint stabilization and eccentric load tolerance, heavily utilizing the Copenhagen Adductor Exercise.
Targeting functional hip ROM through stretching and dynamic mobility under load.
Hip and Groin Injury Incidence During the Competitive Season
The number of new hip and groin injuries occurring during the monitored competitive season among athletes participating in the different preseason intervention programs. Injury incidence will be recorded by team medical staff and expressed as the number of injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures.
Time frame: Through the competitive season, up to 9 months
Hip and Groin Injury Severity
Severity of hip and groin injuries assessed as the number of days lost from training or competition following injury.
Time frame: Through the competitive season, up to 9 months
Hip and Groin Injury Burden
Overall injury burden calculated as the product of injury incidence and injury severity across the study period.
Time frame: Through the competitive season, up to 9 months
Change in Hip Range of Motion (ROM)
Passive hip range of motion assessed using standardized clinical ROM testing (Bent Knee Fall-Out test and passive hip flexion/abduction assessments) with a digital inclinometer.
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1, preseason screening) and 8 weeks (end of preseason intervention)
Functional Lower Limb Performance
Functional performance of the lower extremity assessed through a standardized testing battery evaluating strength, mobility, and sport-specific functional performance.
Time frame: Baseline (preseason) and post-intervention (end of preseason)
Hip Adduction and Abduction Strength
Hip adduction and abduction peak torque measured using isokinetic dynamometry (Humac Norm or Biodex system) during concentric and eccentric contractions at standardized angular velocities (30°/s, 120°/s).
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1, preseason screening) and 8 weeks (end of preseason intervention)
Isometric Hip Strength
Isometric hip adduction strength measured using hand-held dynamometry (HHD) squeeze tests and fixed dynamometry systems such as ForceFrame/GroinBar at joint angles of 0°, 25°, and 50° hip abduction.
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1, preseason screening) and 8 weeks (end of preseason intervention)
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