742 FO64 – Hip and groin problems in female team-sport athletes: a cross-sectional study

Background Hip and groin (HAG) problems are common among team-sport athletes. However, very few studies have focused in female athletes and used the clinical entity approach to describe the origin of these problems. Objective (1) To examine the preseason prevalence of HAG problems in elite female team-sport athletes. (2) To classify the subjects with groin problems according to the clinical entity approach. Design Cross-Sectional Study Setting This research project was conducted among elite female team-sport athletes competing in the highest league of their respective sport (basketball, floorball, handball, ice hockey, soccer, and volleyball) during the 2022/2023 preseason. Participants 91 female athletes, aged 18 years and older, who played team sports at the highest National League level in Switzerland and were proficient in either German, French, or English were included. Participants with recent lower limb surgery or conditions that prevented strength assessment were excluded. Interventions Participants underwent a two-stage assessment: (1) hip adductor and abductor muscle strength measurement with associated pain levels and self-reported function on the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS); (2) clinical HAG examination if problems reported in the first stage. Main Outcome Measurements Hip muscle strength, HAG pain, function and clinical entities. Results The preseason HAG problems point-prevalence was 14.3% (n=13). A total of 17 clinical entities were identified, with iliopsoas-related being the most common (58.8%) followed by adductor-related (11.8%). Significant differences were found between the HAG no problems and problems groups in all HAGOS subscales (p<0.001), in contrast to strength and demographic data. Conclusion The HAG problems point prevalence in female team-sport athletes documented during preseason appears to be similar to that reported in male athletes. However, the most common clinical entity reported is iliopsoas related as opposed to adductor related in males. Larger prospective studies in female athletes are needed to confirm these findings.