Effects of a History of Adductor-Related Groin Pain on Kicking Biomechanics and HAGOS Subscales in Male Soccer Players: A Comprehensive Analysis Using 1D-SPM

Adductor-related groin pain (AGP) is a prevalent and frequently recurrent chronic injury among soccer players. This study investigated the impact of AGP history on kicking kinematics, kinetics, and patient-reported outcomes in regional-league soccer players using one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping (1D-SPM). Twenty male athletes were allocated to a group with prior AGP (GP group: n = 8) or without AGP (non-GP group, n = 12), and evaluated during maximal instep and inside-foot kicks using three-dimensional motion analysis and the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). The GP group reported significantly lower HAGOS for pain and quality of life. The 1D-SPM analysis revealed that the GP group employed a compensatory kinetic chain strategy, characterized by impaired trunk–pelvis rotation, increased reliance on the stance leg (SL) for stability, and altered kicking leg (KL) mechanics with reduced hip flexion power. These findings reveal that the underlying deficit in AGP is not isolated muscle weakness but a ‘lack of adaptability in motor control’, resulting in inefficient load distribution and contributing to the high recurrence rates in the adductors and SL. Rehabilitation should adopt a kinetic chain-oriented approach that also addresses stance limb function to mitigate recurrence and optimize performance.