Does Anterior Oblique Sling Training Reduce Groin Pain and Enhance Hip Mobility, Adductor Strength, and Performance...

Groin strains are common in soccer and often lead to prolonged recovery and high recurrence. Traditional rehabilitation may overlook the role of integrated trunk-limb coordination, which is essential in multidirectional sports. The anterior oblique sling (AOS) system, involving the obliques, adductors, and abdominal fascia, is key in dynamic stability and force transfer.

Evaluate the effects of AOS training on pain, hip mobility, adductor strength, and performance in soccer players with groin strain.

In this quasi-experimental study, 30 male semi-professional footballers (18 - 30 years, with ≥ 5 years' experience and confirmed groin strain) were allocated to either an 8-week supervised AOS training program (3x/week, 40 - 60 min/session; n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Outcomes assessed pre- and post-intervention included pain [Visual Analog Scale (VAS)], hip mobility, isometric adductor strength (dynamometer), and change-of-direction and acceleration test (CODAT). The data were analyzed via repeated-measures ANOVA and nonparametric tests.

The AOS group experienced a 35.6% reduction in pain (VAS: 4.66 ± 0.61 to 3.00 ± 0.92; P = 0.001), unlike the control group. Hip mobility significantly improved in the AOS group (abduction: +4.47°, flexion: +8.87°, extension: +2.54°, internal rotation: +5.73°, external rotation: +3.93°; all P ≤ 0.04, η² = 0.14 - 0.36), with no similar gains in the control group. Adductor strength increased by 19.8% in the AOS group (P = 0.001, η² = 0.32) compared to 4.6% in the control group (P = 0.17). Performance improved by 8.0% in the AOS group (CODAT time: 7.03 ± 0.46 to 6.47 ± 0.41 s; P = 0.001, η² = 0.51), with no change in the control group.

The AOS training effectively reduces groin pain and enhances functional outcomes in soccer players. It offers a promising, chain-based rehabilitation approach for dynamic sports.