title: The role of hip abductor and external rotator muscle strength in the development of exertional medial tibial pain: a prospective study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To prospectively identify proximal risk factors contributing to the development of exertional medial tibial pain (EMTP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were prospectively collected on healthy female students in physical education, who were freshmen in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012. 95 female students, aged 18.15 ± 0.84, were tested at the beginning of their first academic year. Testing included isokinetic hip strength measurements of the abductors, adductors, internal rotators and external rotators. The follow-up of the individulas was assessed using a weekly online questionnaire and a 3-monthly retrospective control questionnaire. EMTP was diagnosed by an experienced MD (Doctor of Medicine). Cox regression analysis was used to identify the potential risk factors for the development of EMTP.
  
  
  RESULTS
  21 individuals were diagnosed with EMTP during follow-up. The results of this study identified that decreased hip abductor concentric strength is a predictive parameter for the development of EMTP in females. More specifically, total work (p=0.010) and average power (p=0.045) for concentric abduction strength were found to be significant predictors for this lower leg overuse injury.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hip abductor weakness is a significant predictor for EMTP in women. Preventive screening methods for EMTP should therefore include this proximal contributing factor.
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
authors: Ruth
authors: R
authors: Verrelst
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
authors: Tine Marieke
authors: TM
authors: Willems
authors: Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
authors: Dirk
authors: D
authors: De Clercq
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
authors: Philip
authors: P
authors: Roosen
authors: Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
authors: Lennert
authors: L
authors: Goossens
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
authors: Erik
authors: E
authors: Witvrouw
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000503:physiopathology; D059352:Musculoskeletal Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012399:Rotation
keywords: Lower extremity injuries; Sporting injuries; Women in sport