Is hip adductor or abductor strength associated with future groin pain?

April 22, 2025

Groin pain is a common issue in sports. Previous research has shown adductor weakness may be a predictor for groin pain.

From a systematic review, researchers investigated whether or not hip adductor to abductor strength ratio, and strength of hip adductors and adductors play a role in future groin pain.

From the systematic review, it was found that there is a moderate association between hip adductor strength & the risk of future groin pain. However, hip abductor strength was not found to be a predictor.

Those who had stronger hip adductors were less likely to experience future groin pain.

The adductor to abductor strength ratio was not found to be a predictor.

Findings may suggest that evaluation of hip adductor strength and targeted hip adductor exercises should be implemented to reduce future onset of groin pain. Targeted exercises may include Copenhagen exercises.

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