EP6.2 A Neuromuscular Based Hip Injury Prevention Program (HIPP) for Adolescent Athletes at Risk for Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement

Abstract The overall prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and symptomatic hip labral tears is estimated to be between 14-17% in asymptomatic young adults, but as high as 95% in competitive athletes. An emphasis on accurate diagnosis and early comprehensive treatment of hip impingement has been emphasized in the hip preservation literature. Adolescent athletes in particular appear to be at higher risk of developing FAI morphology with increased athletic participation and sport specialization. While neuromuscular training programs have been proven to reduce the risk of injury in athletes and improve neuromuscular indices that are thought to contribute to knee ACL injuries, there is minimal evidence on neuromuscular based hip injury prevention programs on the prevention of symptomatic FAI. We developed a six-week neuromuscular hip injury prevention program (HIPP Sportsmetrics). This training program is designed to teach correct hip mobility, pelvic conditioning, jumping/landing/cutting mechanics, and strengthening of the correct muscles that aid in protecting the hip joint. The program focuses on four key components: 1) a dynamic warm up of the hip joint with proper hip hinging, 2) core/abductor/adductor/hip flexor/hip extensor strengthening, 3) plyometrics with controlled hip loading, and 4) acceleration/deceleration agility training. Healthcare professionals that work with the adolescent athletic population should work with their communities to implement an injury prevention program as a pre-season training program. Physical therapists and athletic trainers can work with post-injury athletes to implement injury prevention as a bridge program between rehabilitation and return to sport. There are barriers to implementing an injury prevention program mainly due to time constraints and compliance. However, it is possible to work with the coaches and athletes to find the best fit into their training schedule. It is important to educate athletes and coaches on risks of hip injury in the growing athlete in order for them to see the benefits of a neuromuscular based hip warm up and injury prevention program.