L2: What to prescribe them for part 2

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Summary text

Groin pain 

Athletes with groin pain are more likely to display enlarged tensor fascia latae on sonography.2 

Patellofemoral pain syndrome 

Patellofemoral pain syndrome has been associated with weak hip abduction and external rotation,40-42 excessive internal rotation of the hip and lateral patella displacement43-45 while general knee pathology has been associated with hip dysfunction that has ensued from gluteal weakness.46 Alignment of the thigh and leg in the frontal plane can be heavily influenced by hip-abductor muscle weakness particularly during daily activities such as climbing/descending stairs, sitting or squatting.47 Hip abduction strength exercises have demonstrated favourable outcomes for patellofemoral pain syndrome.48-52 

Anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention 

Increased attention has been given to neuromuscular exercise focused at the hip for anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.43,53 Poor hip strength and neuromuscular control has been associated with dynamic lower extremity valgus.54,55 In female athletes, future anterior cruciate ligament injury risk is significantly correlated with high knee abduction moments.54,56 This is reflected in the higher incidence of both anterior cruciate ligament ruptures in females who tend towards greater valgus alignment during landing and pivoting compared with men.57-69 

Iliotibial band syndrome 

Iliotibial band syndrome has been associated with greater hip adduction and knee internal rotation70-72 as well as hip abductor weakness.73 Hip abduction strength exercises have been recommended for these patients.74,75 

Chronic ankle instability 

Those with chronic ankle instability show a decreased onset latency of gluteus medius.76 It is thought that weak hip abduction may limit the amount of time available to initiate the hip strategy required to counteract a sudden lateral external perturbation.77 

Improving athletic performance 

Lower limb injury prevention 

Both the gluteus medius and maximus assist in load transference through the hip joint78 providing local structural stability and contributing to alignment of the knee and hip joints.79 The gluteal muscles can enhance athletic performance40,80,81 and contribute to the prevention or rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries.82-86