Early sport specialization may harm teen hips, study warns

NCT ID NCT03891563

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study follows 201 healthy teens aged 12-14 over two years to see if playing only one sport year-round leads to hip impingement (FAI), a condition where hip bones rub together. Participants get MRI scans and fill out questionnaires. The goal is to understand if early sport focus causes hip damage and to inform prevention strategies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If this study finds a link between early sport specialization and hip impingement, it could lead to training guidelines to prevent hip problems in young athletes.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It cannot prove cause and effect, only show patterns. Results may not apply to all teens or sports.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Femoracetabular Impingement

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Chu du Quebec

    Québec, Quebec, G1J1Z4, Canada

  • Erasmus Medical Centre

    Rotterdam, Netherlands

  • Kyungpook National University Hospital

    Daegu, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 41944, South Korea

  • McMaster University

    Hamilton, Ontario, L8N3Z5, Canada