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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.

Background: This study was conducted to determine if risk factors for groin injuries among male soccer players could be identified.

Hypothesis: Previous groin injuries, reduced function scores, age, findings on clinical examination, and low isometric groin strength are associated with increased risk of new groin injuries.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: A total of 508 players representing 31 amateur teams were tested during the 2004 preseason for potential risk factors for groin injury through a questionnaire on previous injury and function score (Groin Outcome Score [GrOS]) and a clinical examination of the groin. Generalized estimating equations were used in univariate analyses to identify candidate risk factors, and factors with a P value <.10 were then examined in a multivariate model.

Results: During the soccer season, 61 groin injuries affecting 55 legs (51 players) were registered. The total incidence of groin injuries was 0.6 injuries per 1000 playing hours (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-0.7), 0.3 injuries per 1000 training hours (95% CI, 0.2-0.4), and 1.8 injuries per 1000 match hours (95% CI, 1.2-2.5). In a multivariate analysis, previous acute groin injury (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.60; 95% CI, 1.10-6.11) and weak adductor muscles as determined clinically (adjusted OR, 4.28; 95% CI, 1.31-14.0) were significantly associated with increased risk of groin injuries. A multivariate analysis based only on acute time-loss injuries revealed the 40-m sprint test result (adjusted OR, 2.03 for 1 standard deviation change [injured group faster]; 95% CI, 1.06-3.88; P = .03) and functional testing of the rectal abdominal muscles (adjusted OR, 15.5 [painful in 19% of the players in the injured group compared to 16% in the uninjured group]; 95% CI, 1.11-217; P = .04) as significant risk factors.

Conclusion: A history of acute groin injury and weak adductor muscles are significant risk factors for new groin injuries.