Early sport specialization may harm teen hips, study warns

NCT ID NCT03891563

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: McMaster University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

FEMOROACETABULAR IMPINGEMENT

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

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