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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07466134

Core Stability Training for Young Gymnasts With Adductor Strain

Adductor muscle strain is a common cause of groin pain in young athletes, particularly in gymnasts who frequently perform movements that require extreme hip flexibility and strength. Muscle imbalance around the hip joint and reduced core stability may increase the risk of adductor injuries.

This randomized clinical trial aims to investigate the effect of adding core stability training to a traditional physiotherapy rehabilitation program on the hip adduction-abduction strength ratio in young gymnasts with adductor muscle strain.

Thirty-six young gymnasts aged 7-10 years with Grade I or II adductor strain will be randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups will receive a traditional physiotherapy rehabilitation program for eight weeks, while the study group will also perform additional core stability exercises.

Outcomes will include hip adductor and abductor strength measured using a hand-held dynamometer, pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and hip and groin function evaluated using the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS).

The findings of this study may help determine whether adding core stability training improves rehabilitation outcomes in young gymnasts with adductor muscle strain.

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Key information

Conditions

Groin Pain Adductor Muscle Strain

Age range

7 year–10 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University

Cairo, 1151, Egypt

About this study

Adductor muscle strain is one of the most common causes of groin pain in athletes and is frequently reported in sports that involve rapid directional changes, high-impact landings, and extreme hip ranges of motion. Young gymnasts are particularly vulnerable to such injuries due to the repetitive mechanical loading placed on the hip and groin region during training and performance. Muscle imbalance around the hip joint, particularly an altered hip adduction to abduction (ADD:ABD) strength ratio, has been identified as a key intrinsic risk factor associated with groin injuries.

Core stability plays an essential role in maintaining lumbopelvic control and providing proximal stability for efficient movement of the lower extremities. Deficits in core stability may increase compensatory movements at the hip joint and contribute to excessive loading on the adductor muscles. Consequently, incorporating core stability exercises into rehabilitation programs may improve neuromuscular control and optimize hip muscle function.

The aim of this randomized clinical trial is to investigate the effect of adding core stability training to a traditional physiotherapy rehabilitation program on hip adduction-abduction strength ratio, pain intensity, and hip and groin function in young gymnasts diagnosed with adductor muscle strain.

Thirty-six young gymnasts aged 7-10 years with Grade I or Grade II adductor muscle strain will be randomly assigned to either a study group or a control group. Both groups will receive a traditional physiotherapy program three times per week for eight weeks. The study group will additionally perform a structured core stability training program.

Outcome measures will include hip adductor and abductor muscle strength assessed using a hand-held dynamometer, pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional outcomes evaluated using the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention period.

The results of this study may contribute to improving rehabilitation strategies for young athletes with adductor-related groin injuries and may help determine whether core stability training provides additional benefits beyond traditional physiotherapy.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Young gymnastic athletes aged 7-10 years.
  • Male or female participants who are actively practicing gymnastics.
  • Clinically diagnosed with Grade I or Grade II adductor muscle strain by an orthopedic physician.
  • Presence of groin pain reproduced during resisted hip adduction test.
  • Positive adductor squeeze test indicating adductor-related groin pain.

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of radiological evidence of hip joint pathology or fracture.
  • Neurological disorders affecting motor control or balance.
  • History of previous hip or pelvic surgery.
  • Presence of spinal pain involving the thoracolumbar region.
  • Any medical condition that could interfere with participation in the rehabilitation program or outcome assessments.

Treatment and study plan

core stability training + traditional physio therapy for study group

Other

Core stability training (CST) was implemented to improve trunk control and lumbopelvic stability in young gymnasts with adductor muscle strain. The program was performed three times per week for eight consecutive weeks and was provided in addition to the traditional physiotherapy program. Each session included approximately 30 minutes of CST exercises focusing on neuromuscular control of the trunk and pelvis. The training protocol consisted of progressive exercises including abdominal hollowing, abdominal bracing, dissociation of the shoulder and pelvic girdles, cat-camel exercise, quadruped stance, front bridge, side bridge (both sides), and supine bridge. The program was delivered in three progressive phases with gradual increases in training difficulty to enhance trunk muscle activation, improve lumbopelvic stability, and optimize force transmission through the kinetic chain during lower limb movements.

Other names: core stability exercises

traditional physiotherapy for control group

Other

The traditional physiotherapy program was designed for the rehabilitation of adductor muscle strain and was conducted three times per week for eight weeks, with each session lasting approximately 70 minutes. The program included a 10-minute warm-up using a cycle ergometer followed by pain-free strengthening exercises targeting hip flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction performed in side-lying and standing positions. Isometric adductor strengthening exercises were performed in the supine position using a small roll placed between the knees or feet. Balance and proprioceptive training were incorporated using balance boards and functional tasks. Stretching exercises for the hamstrings, gluteal muscles, hip flexors, and iliotibial band were performed during the cool-down period. In addition, low-level laser therapy was applied for 10 minutes over the symptomatic adductor tendon insertion sites to reduce pain and local tenderness.

Other names: conventional physiotherapy

Primary outcomes

  1. Hip Adduction-Abduction Strength Ratio (ADD:ABD ratio)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention.

    Hip adduction and abduction muscle strength were measured using a hand-held dynamometer, and the ratio between adduction and abduction strength was calculated to evaluate hip muscle balance.

Secondary outcomes

  1. pain intensity

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention.

    Pain intensity related to adductor strain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where higher scores indicate greater pain.

  2. hip and groin function

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention.

    Functional status was evaluated using the Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), a questionnaire assessing symptoms, pain, daily activities, sport and recreation, participation in physical activities, and quality of life.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Aya Mohamed Elsheikh

Other

Collaborators

  • Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt is not a recognized organization name.

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Core Stability Training on Hip Adduction Abduction Strength Ratio in Young Gymnasts With Adductor Strain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: CST - ADD:ABD

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Mar 12, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 12, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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