The Relationship Between Hip Adductor Strength, Hip Range of Motion and Incidence of Hip Injury in Boys and Girls High School Hockey Players.
Date of Award
Summer 6-28-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Exercise Science
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Brenda Davies
Abstract
Background: Injuries of the hip and groin are commonly reported in ice hockey players with prevalence seen at the NHL level with 61.8% players sustaining a hip or groin injury between 2006 and 2010 (Epstein et al., 2013). Measuring the hip adductor to abductor strength ratio has been suggested as a way to assess possible adductor strains in hockey players (Rodriquez, 2020). However, there is conflicting evidence about hip flexibility and range of motion as predictors of hip injury in hockey players. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between hip adductor strength, hip range of motion, and incidence of hip injuries in high school level hockey players. Methods: Hip adductor and abductor strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer as well range of motion using a manual goniometer prior to the start of the hockey season. Hip adductor to abductor strength ratio was calculated by dividing the mean adductor to mean abductor strength and normalizing for body weight. Throughout the 5-month hockey season, an online survey was sent to the players via email to collect data on hip injury prevalence. Conclusion: Based on past scientific literature, it was hypothesized that there will be a strong relationship between hip adductor strength and incidence of hip injuries, but not necessarily hip range of motion. Significance of Potential Outcomes: A significant relationship between hip range of motion and hip adductor to abductor strength ratio and incidence of hip injury, would indicate that using hip ROM and strength could be used to predict future hip injuries in hockey players. No significant relationship between hip ROM, hip strength, and incidence hip injuries would indicate that these measurements would not be useful in predicting and preventing future hip injuries in hockey players.