Encouraging feminine training methods instead of masculine ones might be crucial in preventing knee injuries among women.
Host SACHA PFEIFFER dives into the world of sports injuries, focusing on ACL tears in female athletes. These injuries can lead to surgery and prolonged rehab sessions, leaving many female athletes vulnerable. But why are women more susceptible than men? A new study backed by FIFA, soccer's international governing body, aims to uncover answers—specifically, whether a woman's menstrual cycle contributes to these injuries.
To discuss this intriguing study and strategies to prevent ACL injuries in women, SACHA sits down with Dawn Scott, a performance coach and applied sports scientist who has worked with women's national soccer teams in the US and England, and advises FIFA.
SACHA: Dawn, thanks for joining us today. Let's dive right in. Help us comprehend the potential link between a woman's period and ACL injuries in her knee.
DAWN: Well, for me, it's not about the menstrual cycle itself but rather the hormonal fluctuations that come with it. Injuries, especially ACL injuries, are complex and multifactorial. Over the years, we've focused mainly on sex differences and hormones when discussing the menstrual cycle. However, despite this focus, ACL injury rates in females haven't seen a improvement. Meanwhile, in males, those rates are declining. So, it's essential to broaden our perspective beyond hormones and explore the entire range of risk factors for ACL injuries.
SACHA: Athletes train hard to prevent injuries, working on their strength and stability. But this study suggests that, despite their efforts, biological factors may still play a role in injuries. Can you imagine how difficult that would be for athletes to accept? After all, they might feel as though they didn't do something right if an injury happens, not realizing it's about their body. How should athletes handle such a psychological hurdle?
DAWN: Education is key in this situation. In fact, the reason girls drop out of sports at a higher rate than boys is often due to the lack of education about sex differences and hormones. Ideally, this education should come from experts with a deep understanding of these topics. We need to reevaluate school curriculums to ensure girls genuinely understand their bodies and learn how to utilize their hormones effectively, ultimately maximizing their performance.
SACHA: From a coaching perspective, could non-biological factors such as type of shoe, training style, or surface conditions play a role in ACL injuries?
DAWN: Absolutely. For example, only one main brand, IDA Sports, has designed a soccer cleat specifically for the female foot, which typically has a wider front and narrower heel. Also, the societal impact of the surface (turf or grass) cannot be overlooked. Can athletes have the luxury of multiple shoe options appropriate for different surfaces? Education and access to the right equipment can make all the difference.
SACHA: Many aspiring athletes and their parents are eager for practical advice to protect their knees. Any top tips you can offer?
DAWN: Focus on injury-reduction exercises, strength training, and recovery. Maintaining optimal sleep, nutrition, and hydration are crucial, as is considering lifestyle choices and behaviors that can help prepare athletes for competition and aid recovery afterward.
SACHA: Your success with the US women's soccer team speaks volumes. What further steps can be taken to support the athletes you work with and, in general, female athletes?
DAWN: Education is essential. Too often, girls are trained like boys instead of tailoring their approach to their unique needs. Making education easily accessible to female athletes could help give them a competitive edge and optimize their performance.
The intricate relationship between a woman's menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations, and increased ACL injury risk is one piece of the puzzle in shaping targeted training and prevention strategies for female athletes. This study is an exciting step forward in addressing the unique needs of women in sports, ultimately helping more female athletes stay on their feet and reach their full potential.
- Dawn Scott, an expert in the field, suggests that the potential link between a woman's period and ACL injuries in her knee lies in the hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle.
- According to Dawn Scott, athletes should be educated about sex differences and hormones to help them understand their bodies better and optimize their performance.
- Dawn Scott highlights the importance of education, equipment, and training strategies tailored to female athletes to address the unique risks they face, such as ACL injuries.
- In discussing the factors contributing to ACL injuries, Dawn Scott stresses the role of non-biological elements like shoe design, training style, and surface conditions.
- Athletes and parents seeking practical advice to protect their knees from ACL injuries should focus on injury-reduction exercises, strength training, recovery, optimal sleep, nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle choices.
