FIFA is funding a year-long Kingston University London study to investigate if hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles contribute to the high rate of ACL injuries in women’s football.
Female players are significantly more prone to these injuries, with stars like Leah Williamson and Sam Kerr among recent sufferers.
Researchers will track hormone levels in players from London clubs and grassroots teams, analyzing their blood and physical performance.
The study will examine the link between oestrogen and progesterone levels and injury-causing scenarios like rapid directional changes.
Dr. Simon Augustus, the lead researcher, hopes to identify ways to prevent non-impact ACL injuries through tailored training and technique adjustments.
This research complements other ongoing studies exploring environmental and equipment-related factors in ACL injuries in women’s football.
