Active posterior pelvic tilt range of motion is decreased in soccer players with chronic groin pain: a case control study

Purpose Examine the effect of groin pain status on active posterior pelvic tilt range of motion in soccer players. Methods Case control study. 66 semi-professional male soccer players sub grouped by: chronic groin pain (GP, n=16), history chronic groin pain (HxGP, n=16), no history of chronic groin pain (NoGP, n=32). Blinded outcomes measures were: active posterior pelvic tilt range of motion (PPT ROM) undertaken in dominant and non-dominant weight bearing, and hip flexor length. A one-way ANOVA (p <= 0.05) examined the main effects of injury group (3 levels: GP, HxGP, NoGP), followed by post hoc tests with bonferroni correction. Results PPT ROM in the GP group was significantly lower compared to the HxGP (MD 2.8º; 95% CIs 0.2-5.5º, p=0.03) and NoGP groups (MD 4.9º; 95% CIs 2.7-7.3º, p<0.0001). The differences between HxGP and NoGP groups were not significant (MD 2.1º; 95% Cis -.19 to 4.4, p=.08) and the relationship between hip flexor length and PPT ROM was weak. Conclusion Active PPT ROM was decreased in athletes with chronic groin pain compared to injury free controls. Although we cannot conclude a causal relationship, restoration of active PPT should play a role in the management of athletes with groin pain.