- FIFA-Funded Study on Menstrual Cycle and ACL Injuries: FIFA is financing a groundbreaking study at Kingston University to explore the potential link between hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among female soccer players.
- Research Leadership and Methodology: The study is led by PhD student Blake Rivers and a team of sports science experts. It involves collecting and analyzing blood samples and physical performance data from elite and grassroots footballers, including players from Chelsea and Fulham, over the course of a year.
- Focus on Hormonal Impact: Researchers aim to identify phases of the menstrual cycle that may increase injury risk by examining hormone levels—specifically oestrogen and progesterone—and their effect on ligament laxity and neuromuscular response during activities like landing after headers and rapid directional changes.
- Goal of Personalized Training: The ultimate objective is to develop individualized training adaptations to reduce injury risk, potentially allowing coaches to tailor training and injury prevention strategies according to athletes’ menstrual cycle phases.
- Context of Rising ACL Injuries: The study comes in response to a notable increase in ACL injuries among high-profile female soccer players, such as Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, and Sam Kerr, highlighting the urgency of this research.
- Potential for Broader Impact: If successful, the findings could inform training protocols and injury prevention strategies not only in soccer but across various sports, contributing to improved athlete health and performance.
For more detailed information, you can read the full article here: FIFA funds study looking into correlation between menstrual cycle and ACL injuries.
