Ross BJ, Lupica GM, Dymock ZR, Miskimin C, Mulcahey MK. Sex-related differences in hip and groin injuries in adult runners: a systematic review.
PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2023;
51:107-120. [PMID:
34905425 DOI:
10.1080/00913847.2021.2016355]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Hip/groin running-related injuries (RRIs) are relatively uncommon. It is unclear if runners of either sex are disproportionately affected. Our objective was to systematically review differences in hip/groin RRIs between males and females.
DATA SOURCES
A structured and comprehensive search of four medical literature databases was performed (PubMed, Embase, Ovid Medline, and CINAHL). Terms searched were as follows: risk, epidemiology, hip injury, groin injury, overuse injury, running, sprinting, and track and field.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies reporting sex-specific data on hip/groin RRIs in adult runners were included. Data was extracted and reviewed independently by two authors.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND DATA SYNTHESIS
Sex-specific injury rates, risk factors, and return to sport (RTS) following hip/groin RRI were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna-Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool.
RESULTS
Ten studies with 7,353 total runners were included: 2,315 (47%) males and 2,559 (53%) females. The mean age of the included runners was 37.3 ± 8.9 years and the mean weekly running distance was 10.4 ± 8.4 km. Hip/groin injuries comprised 10.1% (491/4,874) of total RRIs, including 6.3% of RRIs sustained by males and 11.0% by females. Three studies reported significantly higher rates of hip/groin RRIs in female runners. One study reported significantly higher rates of gluteus medius and adductor RRIs for females and males, respectively. One study identified female sex as an independent risk factor for hip/groin RRIs. Three studies reported on RTS after hip/groin RRIs: the pooled RTS rate was 81.4% (57/70) at 1 to 368 days after injury.
LIMITATIONS
Data was pooled when possible; however, there was considerable clinical, methodological, and statistical heterogeneity across studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Hip/groin RRIs comprise a greater percentage of total injuries among injured female runners relative to males. Females may be at a higher risk for sustaining hip/groin RRIs though more research on risk factors and RTS is needed.
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