Do Football Players Have a Greater Risk of Developing a Hip Impingement?
The intent of this study was to investigate the hip characteristics of collegiate level football players in relation to the characteristics of patients suffering from femoroacetabular impingement. In addition, examination of football playing position was analyzed to see if differences arose. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is caused when the neck of the femur, due to limited internal rotation, biomechanically contacts the pelvis in an atypical manner. Data was collected from participants from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire football program including measurements of hip range of motion and a hip impingement test. Results showed that 5.9% of football players tested positive for hip impingement, compared to 2.3% of the other sports. Football also showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher rate for clinical positives in decreased hip internal rotation and flexion. In regards to football playing positions, offensive and defensive line positions were significantly more likely to have decreased hip flexion. Clinically the use of decreased hip flexion, internal rotation, and/or discomfort with the hip impingement test has been used to diagnosis FAI. Our results suggest that playing football, especially at the offensive or defensive line, linebacker, or safety positions may predispose an individual to developing clinical symptoms of FAI.
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