Abnormal hip physical examination findings in asymptomatic female soccer athletes

Abstract

Purpose Examination of the hip provides information regarding risk for pre-arthritic hip disorders, knee injuries, and low back pain. The purpose of this study was to report a hip screening examination of asymptomatic female soccer athletes and to test the hypothesis that these findings vary by competition experience. Methods Asymptomatic females from a youth soccer club, a college, and a professional team were evaluated. Passive hip range of motion, hip abduction strength, and hip provocative tests were assessed. Data were compared for the grade/middle school, high school, college, and professional athletes. Results One hundred and seventy-two athletes with a mean age of 16.7 ± 5 years (range 10–30) participated. Professional athletes had less flexion (HF) for both hips (p < 0.0001) and less internal rotation (IR) for the preferred kicking leg (p < 0.05) compared to all other groups. Grade/middle school athletes had more external rotation in both hips as compared to all other groups (p < 0.0001). For the preferred kicking leg, collegiate athletes had less hip abduction strength as compared to other groups (p < 0.01). Positive provocative hip tests were found in 22 % of all players and 36 % of the professionals. In professionals, a positive provocative test was associated with ipsilateral decreased HF (p = 0.04). Conclusion Asymptomatic elite female soccer athletes with the most competition experience had less bilateral hip flexion and preferred kicking leg IR than less-experienced athletes. Positive provocative hip tests were found in 22 % of athletes. Future studies are needed to show whether these findings link to risk for intra-articular hip or lumbar spine and knee disorders. Level of evidence III.

Gender‐Dependent Differences in Hip Range of Motion and Impingement Testing in Asymptomatic College Freshman Athletes

“…Athletes may be more likely to have a positive FADIR, given their activity level. Our reported prevalence of a positive FADIR was similar to that found by Prather et al [19], who reported on prevalence in athletes across multiple age groups, including grade school/middle school (16%), high school (19%), and professional (21%).…”

“…Hip ER ROM may be important to assess in future screenings. Prather et al [19] noted that decreased hip flexion ROM in professional soccer players and increased hip flexion ROM in grade school and middle school soccer players was associated with a positive provocative test; however, provocative tests included the FADIR test, the Patrick test, and resistive straight leg raise.…”

“…The FADIR may be a useful screening test to identify individuals at risk for future hip pain, but the prevalence of a positive test in asymptomatic individuals is not well known. At least one study reported positive provocative testing in asymptomatic athletes [19], but findings were specific to female soccer players. If the FADIR can be a useful screening tool, the prevalence of a positive test in asymptomatic athletes needs to be assessed.…”

Sportlerleiste

“…Gerade mechanische Ursachen von Labrum-und Knorpelschäden wie das femoroacetabuläre Impingement sind bei Profisportlern extrem häufig. In einer aktuellen Studie zeigte sich bei professionellen weiblichen Fußballern eine verminderte Flexions-und Innenrotationsfähigkeit des Hüftgelenkes [8]. Zudem war bei 50 % (Frauen) bzw.…”

Managing Hip Pain in the Athlete

“…[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] Asymptomatic elite female soccer athletes showed variability in hip passive range of motion by age and experience. 27 Specific hip disorders have been found to be associated with patterns of reduced hip range of motion. Patients with FAI have reduced hip flexion and internal rotation, 11 whereas those with hip OA may first experience reduced hip internal rotation and progress to a loss of motion in all planes.…”