The Association of Hip Strength and Range of Motion with Hip and Groin Pain in Collegiate Ice Hockey Players

Introduction: Hip and groin pain is common in male ice hockey players. The relationship between physical examination findings and hip and groin pain in collegiate male hockey players is not well established. The purpose of this study was to explore associations between hip strength and hip range of motion (ROM) and hip and groin pain in male collegiate ice hockey players. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 59 male ice hockey players. The Sport subscale of the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) were collected to identify those with hip and groin pain. Measurements of hip ROM and strength were obtained at the beginning of the season. Between group comparisons were made and logistic regression was used to determine the strength of the association. Results: Compared to those without, male ice hockey players with hip and groin pain (n=17) had a lower amount of hip internal rotation ROM (-6.21; 95% CI 2.29, 10.14; p<0.01) and a lower ratio of hip adductor to abductor strength (-0.16; 95% CI -0.27, -0.05; p<0.01). These two variables explained 37% of the difference between groups (R2=0.37; p<0.01). There was no significant difference in hip external rotation ROM between groups. Conclusions: Hip internal rotation ROM and the ratio of hip adductor to abductor strength were lower in male collegiate ice hockey players with hip and groin pain compared to those without. These findings may help inform secondary prevention and rehabilitation strategies in this population.