Hip and groin function and strength in male ice hockey players with and without hip and groin problems in the previous season- a prospective cohort study

Objective: To describe and compare hip and groin strength and function of male ice hockey players over one season in players with and without hip and groin problems in the previous season. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Swedish male ice hockey. Participants: We followed 193 players from 10 teams during the 2017/2018 season. Main outcome measures: Hip adduction and abduction strength, 5 s squeeze test (5SST), and self-reported hip and groin function (Hip and Groin Outcome Score). Changes over the season and differences between players with and without problems in the previous season were analyzed by linear mixed models. Results: Adduction strength decreased slightly from pre-to mid-season and abduction strength increased slightly over the full season. However, self-reported function or pain did not change. Players with hip and groin problems in the previous season had significantly worse self-reported function, and more groin pain during the 5SST compared to players without. Strength measurments did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Hip muscle strength, groin pain, and self-reported function appear to remain stable throughout the season in male ice hockey players. Remaining impairments in players with problems in the previous season suggest that function does not recover by ice hockey participation alone.