The effectiveness of the Copenhagen adduction exercise on improving eccentric hip adduction strength among soccer players with groin injury: a randomized controlled trial

Groin injuries are common in soccer players and often involve adductor muscle strains. The Copenhagen Adduction Exercise (CAE) is a targeted intervention whose effectiveness in rehabilitation for these injuries warrants investigation. To investigate the impact of a rehabilitation program, which includes the CAE, on eccentric hip adduction (EHAD) strength, hip joint range of motion (ROM), self-reported disability, and pain among soccer players with adductor-related groin pain. It was hypothesized that the addition of CAE to the rehabilitation program would yield greater improvements. Employing a randomized controlled trial with a two-group parallel design, thirty male soccer players with a mean age of 26.4 ± 3.9 years were randomized into an intervention group (IG) including CAE (n = 15) and a control group (CG) without CAE (n = 15), based on a power analysis to ensure 80% power to detect significant differences. Both groups engaged in their respective rehabilitation programs twice a week for eight weeks. The primary outcome measured was EHAD strength, while secondary outcomes included hip joint ROM, self-reported disability measured by the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), and pain levels. Significant improvements within groups were observed across all measures (p  Incorporating the CAE into rehabilitation programs significantly improves EHAD strength, decreases pain scores, and reduces self-reported disability in soccer players with adductor-related groin pain. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05589623</p