Background / aim:
Sacroiliac (S.I) belts are commonly used sports medicine in both treatment and prevention of a range of pathologies, often associated with groin / hip pain. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the influence of S.I belt application on the performance of clinical, biomechanical and functional measures, related to groin / hip injury risk factors.

Methods:
Six participants (age 25.1 ± 4.1) completed each test with and without the use of an S.I belt. Hip Adductor and Abductor strength was measured by a Biodex Isokinetic machine. Dynamic hip to knee valgum during a Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) was analysed using a Vicon Motion Capture system. Bent Knee Fallout and Passive Hip Range of Motion were measured using hand-held goniometry and the Y-balance test was used to assess functional lower limb stability.

Results:
Initial analysis of results show that S.I belt application reduced Passive Hip ROM and BKFO scores. Conversely, S.I belt application improved both functional Stability and dynamic valgus during CMJ and improved both Adductor / Abductor muscle peak torque and percentage ratio.

Conclusion:
S.I belt application may reduce passive hip joint movement and active adductor flexibility. However, these did not adversely affect dynamic stability or Adductor / Abductor muscle strength. This interesting pattern may warrant future exploration to determine the clinical effectiveness and uses of S.I belt application in pathology related to hip and groin pain