In-Season Prevalence and Management of Hip and Groin Injuries in Competitive Athletes

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.

Conditions

• Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

Interventions

OTHER

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).

OTHER

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Calgary

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Carolyn Emery, PT, PhD · Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Chair

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

14 Years

Max Age

40 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-08-01

Primary Completion

2026-09-01

Completion

2026-09-01