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

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.

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.

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.

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.