Objectives: To identify if basketball players aged <20 years (U20) self-report hip and/or groin pain and if they perceive this as a problem. To determine potential differences in self-reported playing (training and match play) loads and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) between those with and without hip/groin pain. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Fifty-one pre-elite (state/national representative level) male U20 basketball players (Australian n = 38; Italian n = 13) self-reported current/historical hip/groin `discomfort/pain` and `problems`, and playing loads. A two-factor regression model was fitted including main effects for hip/groin pain and Cohort and their interaction, with outcome variables playing loads and HAGOS subscale scores and dependent variable hip/groin pain. Results: Twenty-one players (41%) self-reported hip/groin `discomfort/pain`, of which nine perceived no `problems`. Two of these nine players reported training/playing time loss due to pain. Those self-reporting hip/groin discomfort/pain scored lower than those without in HAGOS subscales Symptoms (mean difference in score 8.94; 95%CI -25.24, -5.97), Pain (5.00; -16.42, -2.81), Function in daily living (0.00; -26.72 to -5.59), Function in sport and recreation (6.25; -21.24, -5.33), and hip and/or groin Quality of Life (5.00; -28.63, -8.10), indicating worse hip/groin problems. Participation subscale scores were different only for Italian players (36.25; -51.25, -20.00), with players self-reporting hip/groin discomfort/pain scoring lower. Conclusion: Most players who perceive both hip/groin `discomfort/pain` and `problems` also report training/playing time loss, suggesting players` perceptions of problematic symptoms and time-loss are associated. Adolescent basketball players perceive hip/groin pain to negatively impact their daily lives and sporting function.
© Copyright 2021 Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Elsevier. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.