Author(s): UNÜVAR-YUKSEL, E., TOPCUGIL-KIRIK, A.B., GUNEY-DENIZ, H., Institution: IZMIR DEMOKRASI UNIVERSITY, Country: TURKEY, Abstract-ID: 1317

INTRODUCTION:
Groin and hip-related injuries are common in taekwondo due to repetitive kicking and rapid direction changes that impose high eccentric loads on the hip adductors and joint structures. However, the prevalence and functional effects of adductor- and hip joint–related symptoms in adolescent taekwondo athletes remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of groin- and hip-related symptoms and to compare pain severity and functional levels with healthy controls.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional study evaluated 92 adolescent taekwondo athletes, of whom 81 met the inclusion criteria. Participants were 12–17 years old, black-belt level, trained at least five days per week, had ≥3 years of experience, and could participate without restrictions. A sports physician conducted standardized assessments. Athletes were asked whether they had recently experienced hip or groin pain limiting performance. If yes, symptom side and pain intensity (0–10 Numeric Rating Scale) were recorded.
Groin or hip-related symptoms were differentiated according to the Doha classification using validated tests: Resisted Adduction and Adductor Palpation for adductor-related pain, and FABER and FADIR for hip joint–related pain. Functional status was assessed using the Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS).

RESULTS:
Eighty-one athletes (15.28 ± 2 years) were analyzed. Overall, 41 athletes (50.6%) reported hip or groin-related symptoms: 23 (28.4%) had adductor-related pain, 13 (16.0%) had hip joint–related symptoms, and 5 (6.2%) had both and were excluded from group analyses. No significant group differences were found in age, height, weight, sport participation years, or training load (p>0.05). BMI differed among groups (p=0.037) and was higher in the hip group than the adductor–related symptom group (p=0.016). Pain severity differed significantly (p<0.001); both symptomatic groups reported greater pain than controls (both p<0.001), with no difference between symptomatic groups (p=0.114). Significant group differences were also found across all HAGOS subscales (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION:
This study demonstrated that both adductor-related and hip joint–related symptoms are common among adolescent taekwondo athletes, with 41 of 81 athletes (50.6%) showing groin or hip-related complaints. Among these, 23 (28.4%) had adductor-related symptoms, 13 (16.0%) had hip joint–related and 5 athletes (6.2%) had both symptoms. Both symptomatic groups had higher pain intensity and lower HAGOS scores than asymptomatic peers, reflecting reduced hip–groin function and quality of life. The absence of differences between adductor- and hip joint–related groups suggests overlapping biomechanical or neuromuscular mechanisms. Early screening for groin and hip symptoms and preventive programs targeting adductor strength, hip stability, and movement control may help reduce functional limitations and prevent chronic groin pain in adolescent athletes.