Adductor Strains, Groin Injuries
Conditions
Brief summary
The goal of this observational study is to learn about the frequency and characteristics of adductor-related groin symptoms in adolescent Taekwondo athletes aged 12-17 years. The main questions it aims to answer are: How common are adductor-related groin symptoms in adolescent Taekwondo athletes? Do athletes with these symptoms show differences in hip strength, joint range of motion, or functional level compared to athletes without symptoms? Participants will complete a brief screening about their groin pain and training habits, followed by: Clinical tests of the hip and groin region (resisted adduction, palpation, FABER, and FADIR tests) Strength testing of hip abductor and adductor muscles using a hand-held dynamometer Range of motion measurements of the hip using a goniometer A self-reported questionnaire (Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score - HAGOS) to assess daily activity and sports function Data from this study will help identify early signs of adductor-related groin problems and guide preventive and rehabilitation strategies for young Taekwondo athletes
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Izmir Democracy University
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
12 Years to 17 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Participants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for inclusion: * Aged between 12 and 17 years. * Registered as an active Taekwondo athlete at a Sports Club. * Holds a black belt level (professional) in Taekwondo. * Has at least 3 years of professional Taekwondo training experience. * Participates in training sessions at least 5 days per week. * Able to participate in regular training and competition without restriction. * Voluntarily agrees to participate and provides informed consent (and parental consent for minors).
Exclusion criteria
Participants are excluded if they meet any of the following criteria: * Presence of any orthopedic, neurological, or systemic condition that may affect lower limb function or limit participation in training. * History of lower extremity surgery (hip, knee, ankle, or foot). * Current or recent (within the last 6 months) acute lower extremity injury other than groin-related symptoms. * Refusal or inability to complete the required clinical tests or questionnaires.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence of Adductor-Related Groin Symptoms | at baseline | The presence of adductor-related groin symptoms will be assessed using standardized clinical tests (resisted adduction test and adductor palpation test) based on the Doha classification framework. Unit of Measure: Percentage of athletes with positive test results (%) Purpose: To determine how common adductor-related groin symptoms are among adolescent Taekwondo athletes. Type: Categorical (Yes/No) |
| Pain Intensity | at baseline | Pain intensity during resisted adduction will be evaluated using a Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS; 0-10). Unit of Measure: Points (0-10 scale). Higher points indicates severe pain. Purpose: To quantify the severity of pain in athletes with adductor-related symptoms. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Isometric Hip Adductor Strength | at baseline | Measured bilaterally using a hand-held dynamometer (K-Force, K-Invent) in supine position. Participants will perform maximal isometric contraction for 3 seconds with the dynamometer placed 8 cm proximal to the medial malleolus. Unit of Measure: Newton (N) Purpose: To assess isometric strength of hip adductor muscles and compare between groups. Type: Continuous |
| Isometric Hip Abductor Strength | at baseline | Measured using a hand-held dynamometer (K-Force, K-Invent) in supine position; dynamometer placed 8 cm proximal to the lateral malleolus. Unit of Measure: Newton (N) Purpose: To evaluate isometric abductor strength and assess potential strength imbalance with adductors. |
| Eccentric Hip Adductor Strength | at baseline | Measured bilaterally using a hand-held dynamometer in side-lying position (tested leg below). The "break test" method will be applied, and the peak eccentric force recorded. Unit of Measure: Newton (N) Purpose: To assess eccentric adductor strength, which is a key predictor of groin injury risk. |
| Eccentric Hip Abductor Strength | at baseline | Measured bilaterally using a hand-held dynamometer in side-lying position (tested leg on top). The examiner applies a downward force to induce controlled eccentric contraction. Unit of Measure: Newton (N) Purpose: To determine eccentric hip abductor strength and evaluate abductor-adductor strength balance. |
| Hip Range of Motion (Abduction and Internal Rotation) | at baseline | Abduction: Measured in supine position using a goniometer. Internal rotation: Measured in prone position with knee flexed to 90°. Unit of Measure: Degrees (°) Purpose: To evaluate and compare hip mobility between symptomatic and asymptomatic athletes. |
| Functional Level (Self-Reported) | at baseline | Evaluated using the Turkish validated version of the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), which includes 6 subscales: symptoms, pain, daily living, sports/recreation, participation, and quality of life. Unit of Measure: Score (0-100; higher scores = better function) Purpose: To assess the self-reported functional impact of hip and groin symptoms. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed