Aspetar Magazine 2026

102 ASPETAR MAGAZINE INJURY PREVENTION Why Do Groin Injuries Matter in Football? Groin injuries are among the most common problems in football and sports that involve sprinting, kicking, and rapid changes of direction. Once a groin injury occurs, recovery can be slow, performance may decline, and symptoms often recur without proper strengthening. For players, this may lead to: • Interrupted rhythm • Reduced performance • Fear of kicking or changing direction • Recurrent pain For coaches and teams, groin injuries result in reduced player availability andconstant squadadaptationduring critical moments of the season. Preventing groin injuries is therefore essential for athletes who want to stay safe, available, and perform consistently. The CAE: What Is It andWhy Does It Work? The Copenhagen Adduction Exercise (CAE) is an easy-to-do, evidence-based partner exercise, performed using body weight only. It is a dynamic, high-intensity exercise that strengthens the adductor and core muscles, key muscle groups responsible for controlling and stabilizing hip and trunk movement during cutting, sprinting, kicking, and directional changes in football. Because the exercise targets the muscles most involved in groin injuries, it plays a crucial role in injury prevention. What Does Research Tell Us? Scientific studies demonstrate that the CAE: • Improves adductor strength, a major protective factor against groin injury • Significantly reduces groin injury risk when performed regularly • Is safe and effective when introduced progressively • Requires minimal time and no equipment These characteristics make the CAE one of the most practical groin injury prevention exercises in football. How is the Exercise Performed? The CAE is performed in a side- lying position with a partner providing support. • The player supports the body on one forearm on the floor, and the other arm is placed along the body. • The partner holds the upper leg at the knee and ankle level at the height of his hip. • The athlete lifts the body from the floor, maintaining a straight alignment. • The lower leg moves upward to meet the upper leg. • The body is then lowered halfway in a controlled manner. Proper alignment and controlled movement are essential to ensure effectiveness and safety. Practical Implementation The exercise can be challenging at first, especially for players with lower strength levels or a history of knee discomfort. Recommended progression includes: • Startingwith a shorter lever arm • Gradually increasing repetitions • Increasing frequency during pre-season periods • Adapting progression to the team and player context A gradual approach supports safe and sustainable strength development. The Copenhagen Adduction Exercise (CAE): Protect Your Groin, Protect Your Football Season