Hip and Groin Pain Prevalence and Prediction in Elite Gaelic Games: 2703 Male Athletes Across Two Seasons

The epidemiology of hip and groin pain and Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS) in male and female Gaelic games players

OBJECTIVES

Hip and groin pain is common in Gaelic games players, but data are limited to elite males with poor representation of females. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence, severity and factors associated with hip and groin pain and Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS) in male and female Gaelic games players.

METHODS

A representative national sample of Gaelic games players completed a survey providing demographic information and details related to self-reported episodes of hip and groin pain and FAIS diagnosis within the last year. Players from multiple age grades, codes (Football/Hurling/Camogie) and levels of Gaelic games were included.

RESULTS

A total of 775 players responded to the survey. The annual prevalence of hip and groin pain was 54.8%. Almost half of players (48.8%) continued to participate in sport, while 18.7% ceased participation and 32.5% reported reduced participation. Although 40% of episodes lasted no longer than 3 weeks, there was a high recurrence rate (33.5%). FAIS was reported by eight players, representing 1.9% of hip and groin complaints. Logistic regression models indicate male sex, playing both codes of Gaelic games and participating in additional sport were significant factors in predicting hip and groin pain.

CONCLUSION

Hip and groin pain is prevalent in Gaelic Games with FAIS accounting for a small proportion of cases. However, consideration of indicators of severity (participation impact/symptom duration/medical attention) is essential in understanding the context and magnitude of these hip and groin issues. Male players and players engaging in multiple sports are more likely to experience hip and groin pain.

Effectiveness of a Preventative Program for Groin Pain Syndrome in Elite Youth Soccer Players: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind Study

Groin pain syndrome (GPS) is a prevalent issue in soccer. This study assessed the effectiveness of a new preventive protocol on GPS for youth soccer players. The protocol included targeted stretching and strengthening exercises for the adductor and core muscles from preseason to midseason. A questionnaire and two pain provocation tests were used for the evaluation. Mild GPS required positive results in at least two evaluations, while severe GPS was associated with pain incompatible with engagement in any activity confirmed by diagnostic ultrasound. Forty-two elite male athletes (aged 16.9 ± 0.7 years) participated in the study, with half of them assigned to the usual training (control group) and the remaining athletes undergoing the preventive protocol (treatment group) for 24 weeks. GPS rates were 14.3% (three diagnoses: two mild, one severe) in the treatment group and 28.6% (six diagnoses: three mild, three severe) in the control group. Toward the end of the season, three players, one from the treatment group and two from the control group had to stop playing due to severe GPS problems. In addition, one player in the control group stopped midseason. Even though the reduction in the risk of developing GPS was not significant (relative risk of 0.50 ([95%CI 0.14 to 1.74], p = 0.2759), the halved incidence of severe GPS and the increased muscle strength related to the treatment (p = 0.0277) are encouraging data for future studies.