FIFA has announced funding for an academic study at Kingston University to explore the potential link between the menstrual cycle and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in women’s soccer. ACL injuries are more prevalent in women’s soccer compared to men’s soccer, with notable players such as Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead, and Sam Kerr being affected recently. Kerr, for example, has been sidelined from the Chelsea lineup for 15 months due to an ACL injury.
The study aims to investigate whether athletes may be more susceptible to injuries due to changes in their anatomy and physiology during the menstrual cycle. Hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, and the research seeks to understand how these hormonal changes may impact the risk of ACL injuries. The ultimate goal is to reduce the risk of injury by tailoring training programs to individual athletes’ needs.
The project, part of the FIFA Research Scholarship program, will kick off in June with experts from Kingston University collaborating with clubs in South West London, including Chelsea and Fulham. Athletes participating in the study will undergo regular visits to the campus for blood tests and physical performance assessments.
The research team will analyze hormone concentrations in blood samples, focusing on female-specific hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones have been associated with increased ligament laxity and decreased neuromuscular reaction times, both of which are risk factors for ACL injuries. By correlating hormone levels with physical performance data, the researchers hope to identify patterns that could indicate a higher risk of ACL injury at certain points in the menstrual cycle.
Leading the research team is PhD student Blake Rivers, along with senior lecturer Simon Augustus and sports and exercise science experts James Brouner and Michelle Richards. The team will investigate common mechanisms of ACL injuries and explore interventions such as strength training and technique adjustments to prevent non-impact ACL injuries.
“We aim to help athletes who sustain ACL injuries outside of direct impact situations by intervening early and implementing preventive measures,” said Augustus. By understanding the influence of the menstrual cycle on ACL injury risk, the study endeavors to enhance injury prevention strategies in women’s soccer. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new advancements and innovations happening every day. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in various industries.
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