Are hip biomechanics during running associated with symptom severity or cam morphology size in male football players with FAI syndrome?

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is considered a motion-related condition. Little is known about the influence of symptom severity and cam morphology on hip biomechanics for individuals with FAI syndrome.
Research Question: Are hip biomechanics during running associated with symptom severity or cam morphology size in male football players with FAI syndrome?
Methods: Forty-nine male, sub-elite football (soccer or Australian football) players (mean age= 26 years) with FAI syndrome completed the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) and underwent radiographic evaluation. Biomechanical data were collected during overground running (3-3.5 m∙s ^-1 ) using three-dimensional motion capture technology and an embedded force plate. Various discrete hip angles and impulses of joint moments were analysed during the stance phase. Linear regression models investigated associations between running biomechanics data (dependent variables) and iHOT-33 and HAGOS scores and cam morphology size (independent variables).
Results: Hip joint angles during running were not associated with symptom severity in football players with FAI syndrome. A positive association was found between the impulse of the hip external rotation moment and HAGOS-Sport scores, such that a smaller impulse magnitude occurred with a lower HAGOS-Sport score (0.026 *10 ^-2 [95%CI <0.001 *10 ^-2 to 0.051 *10 ^-2 ], P = 0.048). Larger cam morphology was associated with a greater peak hip adduction angle at midstance (0.073 [95%CI 0.002-0.145], P = 0.045).
Significance: Hip biomechanics during running did not display strong associations with symptom severity or cam morphology size in male football players with FAI syndrome who were still participating in training and match play. Future studies might consider investigating associations during tasks that utilise end range hip joint motion or require greater muscle forces.
Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Prof Kay Crossley reports financial support was provided by National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. Dr Joanne Kemp reports financial support was provided by National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. Dr Mark Scholes reports financial support was provided by Australian Government Research Training Programme. Dr Matthew King reports financial support was provided by Australian Government Research Training Programme. Dr Joshua Heerey reports financial support was provided by Australian Government Research Training Programme. Dr Benjamin Mentiplay serves on the editorial board at Gait and Posture.
(Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)