Publication:

Risk factors for hip and groin injuries in male football players: a systematic review protocol

Background Hip and groin injuries are common among male football players and represent a significant burden due to their frequency, recurrence, and associated time-loss. Despite numerous studies on risk factors, methodological inconsistencies and lack of sport-specific synthesis have limited the development of effective prevention strategies. The aim of this protocol is to conduct a systematic review to identify and evaluate the risk factors associated with hip and groin injuries in male football players.

Methods This review will be conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO). A comprehensive search will be performed across 7 databases, including Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SportDiscus, and Web of Science, from inception to June 2025. Studies will be included if they examine risk factors for hip and groin injuries in male football players aged ≥18 years. Two independent reviewers will perform screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the QUIPS tool. A best-evidence synthesis approach will be used to summarize the strength of evidence for each identified risk factor.

Conclusions Identifying consistent risk factors for hip and groin injuries in male football players will provide an essential foundation for developing evidence-based and sport-specific prevention strategies in clinical and performance settings. Trial registration: PROSPERO registration number is CRD420251042372.