Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Groin Pain in Football Players

Objective Hip and/or groin injuries are among the most common physical complaints in adult male football players, accounting for 10-20% of all new injuries.Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training combined with low-load resistance exercise has demonstrated several beneficial physiological effects.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of BFR training on groin pain in male football players aged 18 to 30 years.Methods This single-arm interventional study included 16 male football players aged between 18 and 30 years who volunteered to participate.Participants were recruited through screening using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); those scoring 3 were included.Groin pain and function were assessed using the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), and baseline scores were recorded.Participants underwent BFR training combined with a Modified Holmich's protocol over a fourweek period (12 sessions in total).Pre-and post-intervention data were collected and analyzed statistically to determine the intervention's effectiveness. ResultsThe calculated effect size (Cohen's d) was 4.66, indicating a very large effect according to standard reference values.Statistical analysis at the 5% significance level revealed a significant difference between pre-and post-intervention scores (p < 0.001), confirming notable improvements in outcomes following the intervention.Conclusion Blood flow restriction training is effective in reducing groin pain by enhancing muscle strength under low mechanical load.This approach may support faster rehabilitation and a safer return to play for football players.