Hip Range of Motion and Strength in Male Athletes with Stage 1 Osteitis Pubis: A Cross-Sectional and Correlational Study

Background: The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine whether athletes with stage 1 osteitis pubis (OP) present differences in hip range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength, between both sides and compared with healthy athletes; (2) to investigate the relationship between the internal rotation (IR) ROM and pain intensity and physical function.

Methods: a cross-sectional and correlational study was designed, in which 30 athletes (15 athletes with stage 1 OP and 15 healthy athletes) were included. Pain intensity, physical function, hip ROM and hip muscle strength were assessed.

Results: The ROM assessment reported significant differences between both groups in the IR, external rotation (ER) and adduction (ADD) ROM of the painful side (PS) ( < 0.05). The OP group showed differences between both sides in IR ER and ADD ROM ( < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between or within groups in the maximum isometric strength of the hip ( > 0.05). A strong negative correlation between pain intensity and IR ROM (r = -0.640) and a strong positive correlation between physical function and IR ROM (r = 0.563) were found in the OP group.

Conclusions: Male athletes with stage 1 OP present a hip IR, ER and ADD ROM limitation in the PS compared to non-PS and to healthy athletes. IR ROM is correlated to pain intensity and physical function in athletes with stage 1 OP.