Adductor strain and hip range of movement in male professional soccer players.

PURPOSE To determine whether hip range of movement (ROM) can predict the occurrence of adductor strain among male professional soccer players. METHODS 120 subjects were prospectively selected from 6 professional soccer clubs in Australia. Internal rotation, external rotation, and ROM of the hip were measured using a goniometer before and during the course of a soccer season (2003-2004). When adductor strain occurred, further assessments of the hip were performed. Injured subjects' hip ROMs were measured again at the end of the season. RESULTS Eight of the 120 subjects had 9 adductor strains (one bilateral). There was a correlation between preseason decreased hip ROM and occurrence of adductor strain. The mean preseason hip ROM was 44.7 degrees in the injured group and 53.7 degrees in the uninjured group. Once the subjects were able to resume playing soccer, their hip ROM increased to near pre-injury levels. CONCLUSION Decreased hip ROM may be considered an aetiological factor in the occurrence of adductor strain in male professional soccer players.