Lower HAGOS subscale scores associated with a longer duration of groin problems in football players in the subsequent season

Abstract

Introduction: Groin injuries represent a considerable problem in football. Although the Adductor Strengthening Programme reduced groin injury risk, players can still experience groin symptoms throughout the season. This study aimed to determine whether preseason Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) and a history of previous injury can identify individuals at risk of having a longer duration of groin problems the subsequent season, using an ‘any physical complaint’ definition of injury.

Methods: Preseason HAGOS score and weekly groin problems were registered with the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse questionnaire during one full season in 632 male semiprofessional adult players.

Results: The prognostic model showed a decreased number of weeks with groin problems for each increase in HAGOS score for ‘groin-related quality of life’ (QOL) (IRR=0.99, p=0.003). A 10-point higher ‘QOL’ score predicted 10% fewer weeks of groin problems. Additionally, previous hip/groin injury was associated with a 74% increase in the number of weeks with symptoms (p＜0.001).

Conclusion: The HAGOS questionnaire applied preseason can detect players at risk of getting more weeks with groin problems the following season. The ‘QOL’ subscale seems to be the superior subscale for estimating subsequent groin problem duration. While HAGOS appears promising in identifying players at risk, previous groin injury is the most robust indicator, showing a substantial 74% increase in weeks with symptoms.