Hip Muscle Strength Ratios Predicting Groin Injury in Male Soccer Players Using Machine Learning and Multivariate...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• Groin injuries are common in soccer, yet predictors remain unclear.
• Accurate injury prediction is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
• Understanding the link between hip muscle strength and groin injuries requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify significant risk factors for groin injuries in male soccer players.
• To analyze the relationship between hip muscle strength ratios and groin injury incidence.
• To evaluate the predictive value of previous injury history on subsequent groin injuries.

Main Methods:

• Isometric hip muscle strength and strength ratios were measured in 120 male soccer players.
• Injury data were collected following FIFA/UEFA consensus guidelines.
• k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) and multivariate logistic regression (LR) were used for prediction and analysis.

Main Results:

• A decreased adductor/abductor isometric strength ratio in the non-dominant limb significantly reduced groin injury likelihood (OR=0.238).
• A history of previous injury increased the risk of sustaining a new groin injury (OR=0.333).
• Imbalances in non-dominant hip adductor/abductor strength and prior injury history were identified as key risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Non-dominant limb hip strength imbalances and previous injury history are significant predictors of groin injuries in soccer.
• Targeting strength imbalances and considering injury history can inform groin injury prevention programs.
• Further research is warranted to refine predictive models and mitigation strategies for soccer-related groin injuries.