ABSTRACT

Background & Purpose: Adductor-related groin pain is a common issue among football players, impacting performance and recovery. This study aims to compare the efficacy of McGill’s “Big Three” exercises (curl-up, side bridge, bird-dog) with conventional physiotherapy exercises (isometric adduction, folding knife sit-up) in enhancing lumbopelvic stability and reducing pain in adult male football players with adductor-related groin pain. Methodology: Thirty-two male football players, aged 18–25 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental group performing McGill’s exercises or a control group performing conventional physiotherapy exercises. Both groups trained 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Lumbopelvic stability was assessed using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit, and pain intensity was measured with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Results: The McGill group showed significant improvements in lumbopelvic stability (pre: 36.00 ± 1.41 mmHg; post: 49.63 ± 1.96 mmHg; p < 0.001) and pain reduction (pre: 5.00 ± 0.73; post: 1.00 ± 0.73; p < 0.001). The control group also improved in stability (pre: 35.81 ±1.22 mmHg; post: 40.63 ± 1.19 mmHg; p < 0.001) and pain (pre: 4.81 ± 0.65; post: 2.81 ± 0.83; p < 0.001). However, the McGill group exhibited significantly greater improvements in both outcomes compared to the control group. Conclusion: McGill’s “Big Three” exercises are more effective than conventional physiotherapy exercises in improving lumbopelvic stability and reducing adductor-related groin pain in male football players. These findings support the use of McGill’s exercises as a preferred rehabilitation strategy for this population. Keywords: Groin Pain, McGill Exercises, Lumbopelvic Stability, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Football Players, Core Stability
Publication date: 01/06/2026

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/June/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10256.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.6.10256