A British study into the causes of knee injuries in female soccer players was launched on Tuesday.
'Project ACL' will focus on players in England's Women's Super League as part of a three-year study into the injuries suffered by a disproportionate number of female players compared to male players.
Project organizers said women are two to six times more likely to suffer an ACL injury than men.
“Players rightly called for more research into ACL injuries and Project ACL responds to both their needs and the needs of the wider industry,” said the women's soccer team at the World Players Meeting. said Dr. Alex Calvin, Head of Strategy and Research. Union FIFPRO.
The project is a joint partnership between FIFPRO, the Professional Footballers' Association, Nike and Leeds Beckett University.
Organizers said research showed that about two-thirds of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in women's soccer occur without physical contact.
The research will include tracking factors related to players' workload, movement and availability when they are in the so-called “critical zone.” This is the cumulative effect of playing back-to-back games with less than five days of rest.
Recently, several well-known athletes have suffered ACL injuries, and this issue is receiving increased attention.
Australian forward Sam Kerr, who plays for Chelsea, was injured in January. Alexia Puteras, Beth Mead and Leah Williamson also collapsed.
A UK Parliament report in March said the rise in anterior cruciate ligament injuries in women highlights “systemic gender inequalities in sport”.
The organization cited a lack of shoes specifically designed for the needs of female soccer players as one of its concerns.
Project ACL says it will investigate a wide range of potential causes.
Dr Stacey Emmons, from Leeds Beckett University, said: “Most previous research on ACL injuries in women has focused on single gender-based risk factors, such as how women's bodies work.” . She said: “Project ACL's research will take a broader view to consider gendered environmental factors that may influence injury risk in women's professional football.”
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