The FORCE project

It is known that footballers will often develop a condition in the hip joint known as femoroacetabular impingement or FAI.  FAI is caused by abnormal bone formation within the hip joint.  This condition is known to play a role in the development of hip and groin pain and also cause early hip arthritis. Findings from this study may help to develop targeted intervention strategies for managing this condition in the future.

Study Aims: 

(i) evaluate changes in hip joint structure over 2 years; and

(ii) determine if factors such as hip joint force, hip muscle strength and hip joint range predict worsening of hip structure over 2 years in people with FAI.

Inclusion criteria:

• Male or female aged between 18-50
• Currently playing AFL or soccer at any level within Victoria
• Have had groin or hip pain for at least six months

Staff involved: Prof Kay Crossley, Prof Marcus Pandy, Dr Adam Semciw, Dr Joanne Kemp, Dr Anthony Schache, Josh Heerey, Matthew King, Denise Jones, Peter Lawrenson, Kate Croft, Mark Scholes.

^{Chief Investigator: Prof K. Crossley (k.crossley@latrobe.edu.au)}

^{Ethics approval number: HEC15-019}