Incidence and clinical presentation of groin injuries in sub-elite male soccer.
Groin injuries present a major problem in football codes due to their high incidence, chronic symptoms, and high of recurrence. Unfortunately, most studies have focused a single culprit underlying such cases, failing to appreciate the vast number and complexity of anatomical structures located within the region. An appreciation of these factors is crucial to our understanding of groin injuries, and subsequent management and prevention. The current study aims to describe the occurrence and clinical presentation of groin injuries amongst sub-elite soccer players in-season.
A large cohort of 998 male soccer players were followed prospectively over a 10-month season. Players sustaining groin injuries were further examined clinically in an attempt to identify the injured anatomical structure(s). Both the exposure time and injury time were also documented.
The results suggested that adductor-related groin injury, followed by iliopsoas-related and abdominal-related was the most prevalent. Both age and previous history were identified as significant risk factors. Furthermore, both the player’s dominant and previously injured side were more vulnerable to injury. In comparison to abdominal-related groin injuries, the time-frame for recovery from adductor-related injury was significantly greater.
These findings provide further insight into understanding the clinical characteristics of groin injuries in soccer, allowing coaches and trainers to better plan their training approaches in order to prevent new and reoccurring injuries > From: Holmich et al., Br J Sports Med (2013) (Epub ahead of print). All rights reserved to BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
The Pubmed summary of the article can be foundhere.