Epidemiology and intrinsic risk markers of hip and groin problems in Swiss Women''s Super League football:A full-season prospective cohort studyOA

Purpose:Hip and groin problems are common in football,but most research has focused on male players and relied on a time-loss injury definition.Data on female football players remains limited.This study aimed to investigate the prevalence,incidence,and burden of hip and groin problems in Swiss female footballers over a full competitive season and explore potential risk markers.Methods:61 players were assessed for hip and groin problems using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Questionnaire(OSTRC-O)during the 2022/2023 season.Potential risk markers,including age,history of hip and groin problems,self-reported hip and groin function using the Hip and Groin Outcome Score(HAGOS),and isometric hip adduction and abduction strength,were assessed during preseason.Associations were analysed using mixed logistic regression.Results:Of the 45 hip and groin problems recorded in 37 players,only 5(11.1%)resulted in time-loss.The average biweekly and seasonal prevalence were 14.2%and 60.7%,respectively.The time-loss injury incidence rate was 0.5 per 1000 h(95%CI,0.1-1.1).Players with hip and groin problems in the previous season(OR,5.23;95%CI,1.82-15.00;p=0.002),older age(OR,1.14;95%CI,1.02-1.27;p=0.026),and lower preseason HAGOS sport subscale scores(OR,1.75;95%CI,1.11-2.76;p=0.017)were more likely to develop new problems.Conclusions:A high prevalence of hip and groin problems was found in female football players,with only a small proportion leading to time-loss.Larger studies are needed to better understand the associated risk markers.