Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

What condition can be suspected from weakness of adductor muscles in an athlete with hip pain?

1. Hip flexor strain

2. Genu varum

3. Abductor muscle strain

4. Trochanteric bursitis

The correct answer is: Hip flexor strain

Weakness of the adductor muscles in an athlete experiencing hip pain typically indicates an issue related to the stability and function of the hip joint, which is heavily influenced by the adductor group. When the adductor muscles are weak or strained, it often leads to compensatory movement patterns that can stress other surrounding structures, possibly resulting in pain or injury. In the context of hip pain, the potential for a hip flexor strain is notable because the hip flexors work in conjunction with the adductors to stabilize the hip during movement. If the adductor muscles are compromised, the hip flexors may bear more load, leading to overuse and strain. This correlation helps establish a direct link between the weakness in the adductor muscles and the potential for a hip flexor strain. While the other conditions listed may involve hip pain, they do not specifically relate to the weakness of the adductor muscles in the same direct manner. For instance, genu varum is more related to limb alignment rather than muscle weakness in the adductor group. Abductor muscle strain, while it could be related to hip pain, typically would showcase weakness in those muscles instead. Trochanteric bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa and pain on the lateral aspect of the