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In-Season Prevalence and Management of Hip and Groin Injuries in Competitive Athletes
Sponsor: University of Calgary
Summary
This study is focused on helping athletes with a common hip condition called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. FAI syndrome occurs when abnormal bone shapes around the hip joint cause friction during movement, leading to pain, reduced performance, and, over time, more serious injury. While this issue is well-studied in male professional athletes, little is known about how it affects female and collegiate athletes, or how to prevent it from worsening. In this study, athletes diagnosed with FAI syndrome will participate in a 12-week in-season exercise program designed to reduce pain, improve hip strength and movement, and help prevent further injury-all while continuing their regular sports training. Participants will be randomly assigned to either: * An exercise group (receiving the intervention), or * A time-and-attention control group (regular check-ins and education). At the end of the study, the control group will have the option to access the exercise program. The study will track changes in pain, physical performance, injury recurrence, and athlete satisfaction with the program. This research aims to improve how we manage hip injuries in athletes and help keep them active during the competitive season.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
14 Years - 40 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2025-08-01
Completion Date
2026-09-01
Last Updated
2025-08-07
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Progressive Hip Strengthening Program
This 12-week, in-season exercise intervention is designed for athletes with FAI syndrome and consists of three progressive phases. Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Focus on neuromuscular re-education and motor control using low-load exercises to improve hip and core activation, alignment, and stability. Phase 2 (Weeks 5-8): Targeted strengthening with increased load and movement complexity, emphasizing single-leg control, endurance, and pelvic stability. Phase 3 (Weeks 9-12): Integration of dynamic control, proprioception, and sport-specific movement patterns to support return to performance. Exercises target gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, core musculature, and functional movement systems. Participants complete the program \>=3 times per week. Weekly questionnaires will monitor symptoms, adherence, and other management (e.g., physiotherapy).
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Participants in the time and attention control group will complete a 12-week, three-phase progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) program based on the Jacobson method. Phase 1 introduces isolated muscle tensing and relaxing to build awareness of muscle tension and promote body-mind connection. Phase 2 focuses on sequential relaxation of muscle groups, enhancing control and reducing stress. Phase 3 transitions to full-body relaxation through guided breathing and visualization techniques. Sessions are practiced 2-3 times per week using audio guides, with weekly check-ins from study staff. Symptom response, adherence, and participant experience are tracked throughout the season.