What is The Doha Agreement in Relation to the Classification of Groin Pain Conditions/Injuries?
The Doha Agreement Meeting on terminology and definitions in groin pain in athletes is a consensus statement developed by a group of international experts in sports medicine and groin pain. It was established to address the lack of standardised terminology and definitions for groin pain, particularly in athletes, which was hindering effective communication, diagnosis, and management of this condition.
The key points of the Doha Agreement include:
Standardised terminology: It provides clear and consistent terminology for different types of groin pain, such as adductor-related, iliopsoas-related, inguinal-related, pubic-related, and other miscellaneous causes. This standardisation helps healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, to communicate more effectively and accurately when discussing groin pain cases.
Classification system: The agreement establishes a classification system that categorises groin pain based on anatomical structures and underlying pathologies. This classification helps physiotherapists to systematically assess and diagnose groin pain, enabling them to tailor treatment plans based on the specific aetiology of the patient's condition.
Diagnostic criteria: It outlines diagnostic criteria for each type of groin pain, providing guidance to physiotherapists on how to differentiate between different etiologies and identify the primary source of the patient's symptoms. This assists in making more accurate diagnoses and implementing targeted treatment strategies.
Treatment recommendations: While the primary focus of the Doha Agreement is on standardising terminology and classification, it also provides general recommendations for the management of groin pain in athletes. These recommendations serve as a starting point for physiotherapists when developing individualised treatment plans for their patients, helping to optimise outcomes.
For physiotherapists, the Doha Agreement is highly useful for several reasons:
Clarity and consistency: It provides a common language and framework for understanding and discussing groin pain, which promotes clarity and consistency in clinical practice.
Accurate diagnosis: By standardising terminology and providing diagnostic criteria, the agreement helps physiotherapists to make more accurate diagnoses, leading to more effective treatment interventions.
Tailored treatment: The classification system outlined in the Doha Agreement allows physiotherapists to identify the specific anatomical structures involved in a patient's groin pain and tailor treatment plans accordingly. This personalised approach improves the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Research and education: The standardised terminology and classification system provided by the Doha Agreement also facilitate research efforts aimed at advancing our understanding of groin pain and improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, it serves as an educational resource for physiotherapy students and practitioners, enhancing their knowledge and clinical skills in managing this complex condition.
