This is an old study but very good one to understand the groin injuries in hockey players.
Adductor muscle strength has been linked to the incidence of adductor muscle strains (groins). Specifically, the strength ratio of the adduction to abduction muscle groups has been identified as a risk factor in professional hockey players.
Adductor Muscle Group: Pectineus, Adductor Longus, Adductor Brevis, Adductor Magnus, Gracilis and Obturator Externus.
Groin strains are among the most common injuries seen in hockey players. Groin strains combined for 10% of all injuries in SHL in early 2000’s. Furthermore, groin strains accounted for 43% of all muscle strains in Elite Finish Hockey League.
Risk factors for the groin injury
- Pre-season hip abduction strength was decreased in players that has sustained a groin injury in regular season.
- Preseason hip adduction Adductor strength was 18% lower in the players who subsequently sustained groin injury compared to uninjured players.
- Hip adduction to abduction strength ratio was also significantly different. Adduction strength was 95% of abduction strength in the uninjured players, but only 78% of abduction strength in the injured players. “In my opinion this is one of the most important topics mentioned. Strength disbalance between adduction and abduction plays a vital role in groin strain injuries. If a player is stronger in adduction compared to abduction or wise versa, he/she is prone to sustain a groin injury.
- Previous Groin strain: 44% of all groin strains are repetitive in nature.
- It is very important to identify players strength and weaknesses in order to reduce modifiable risks factors. Stay tuned for “modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for hockey players.
So, you may ask what should I do to prevent groin injury for myself or my kid? Does stretching prevent the groin injury? Make sure to check out next post
Source:
Nicholas SJ, Tyler TF. Adductor muscle strains in sport. Sports Medicine. 2002 Apr 1;32(5):339-44.
This is not a medical advice, if you have any medical issues please contact your medical practitioner.
