Background: Deficits in adductor strength and flexibility are known risk factors for soccer hip/groin injury, yet little is known about the acute effects of soccer match play on these physical features. The aim of this study therefore was to examine the changes in adductor strength and flexibility before; during and immediately after soccer match play.

Methods: Design: Twenty, male university soccer players (age = 22.35 ± 1.98 years) participated in this field-based, within subject, repeated measures study. Each participant performed three adductor squeeze tests at both 0° and 45° hip flexed test positions alongside a bent knee fall out test. Adductor squeeze scores were quantified using pressure sphygmomanometer and BKFO values recorded in centimetres. Each test was performed before (0 mins) half time (45 mins) and at full time (90 mins) of a competitive match.

Results: Adductor strength decreased by 17.7% in 0° test position and 19.1% in 45° test position at 90 minutes of soccer play, whilst BKFO scores increased by 15% indicating a reduction in adductor flexibility. Statistical analysis showed significant effects of time Vs adductor strength and squeeze test position (P=<0.005), Positive correlations between time played and BKFO scores, and BKFO scores vs adductor squeeze scores at 0 and 45 minutes (P=<0.005) were also observed.

Conclusion: University soccer players exhibit decreased adductor squeeze test and BKFO values as soccer match duration increases. These findings may have implications hip/groin injury management and recovery strategies, post or during soccer matches.